- Political Retaliation to Become a Thing of the Past
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged his full support to public servants dedicated to creating an efficient and citizen-focused public service, assuring that government officials working for the public good will no longer face political retaliation, unlike in previous administrations.
The President made these statements after assuming his new role as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources on the morning of October 3rd. During a meeting with ministry secretaries and senior officials, he reviewed the current state and future plans of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasizing its crucial role in eradicating rural poverty.
President Dissanayake highlighted the public’s demand for a new political direction, as demonstrated in this year’s presidential election. He noted that the economic struggles of citizens and dissatisfaction with the public service led to a rejection of the old political culture, marking a pivotal shift in governance.
The President stressed his commitment to establishing an efficient, people-centered public service, stating that widespread fraud and corruption had contributed to the country’s economic collapse. He called on public servants to rise to the challenge, uphold public trust, and fulfill their duties with integrity.
Under President Dissanayake’s leadership, political revenge, unfair transfers, and denial of promotions will no longer be tolerated in the public sector. He assured public servants that they would not be subjected to public questioning by the media, as had been common in the past, and that their dignity would be upheld.
The President also indicated that the next 40 days will serve as a transitional period, ensuring the continuity of public services. New ministers will be appointed to oversee ministries after the upcoming general election.
Source – President’s Media Division (PMD)
