Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has addressed concerns about his name being inscribed on a plaque at the newly inaugurated building of Wadduwa Central College of Technology, stating that he had not consented to it and only discovered it during the unveiling ceremony.
Speaking at a media briefing following the Cabinet meeting, the minister explained that it is against his principles to place his name on plaques, even for public projects. However, on the day of the ceremony, he noticed that both his name and the Prime Minister’s name had already been engraved on the plaque.
“At that moment, I could have reacted strongly and told the school authorities to remove it. But it was a significant day for the students, staff, and the school community. So I chose not to disrupt the occasion,” he said.
Jayatissa emphasized that he kept the event low-key. “I arrived without any security, delivered a brief speech, and quietly returned,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to modesty and restraint in public office.
His response comes amid growing public scrutiny of self-promotion by politicians at state-funded events. By taking a stand, albeit a quiet one, Jayatissa signaled his continued push for a more humble and people-first political culture.
