President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his first address after assuming office as Minister of Financial Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the vital role public servants play in fulfilling the expectations placed upon the government. He warned that if the current administration fails to meet the hopes of the people, it could lead to a loss of public faith in the country’s future.
Dissanayake made these remarks during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Financial Planning, where he was warmly welcomed by the staff. He acknowledged and expressed his gratitude to the officials for their hard work in navigating Sri Lanka through the recent economic crisis. The President underscored that their collective efforts were essential in stabilizing the nation during a time of significant challenges.
During his speech, Dissanayake highlighted that the public officials’ performance from this point on would be evaluated based on their contributions and results. He noted that the public’s trust in government institutions is at stake, and it is crucial that civil servants uphold high standards of service and dedication.
“The criterion for measuring the success or failure of public servants will no longer be based on the past practices or political affiliations. It will be measured by your contributions to fulfilling the people’s expectations,” he said.
President Dissanayake also addressed the negative image surrounding certain revenue-generating departments, acknowledging the difficulty in changing public perception but asserting that the new government offers an opportunity to rebuild trust. He emphasized that public servants have a chance to prove their worth and help transform these departments into entities that people can trust and rely on.
Furthermore, Dissanayake made it clear that his administration would not tolerate any mistreatment or undue criticism of public servants, particularly in public forums or the media. He reassured them that the government would stand by officials if they faced any injustices or wrongdoings in the course of their duties.
“Our approach is not to threaten or belittle officials but to foster self-discipline, accountability, and a culture of professionalism,” the President stated. He called on all public servants to join the government’s efforts to implement the necessary reforms and work collectively towards a better future for Sri Lanka.
The ceremony was attended by key government figures, including Deputy Ministers Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando and Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena.
