Hon. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government expressed his views in the following manner as the Chief Guest of the ceremony organized for awarding letters of appointment to seventy five officers recruited newly to the Sri Lanka Planning Service.

“Today, our country is suffering a huge economic crisis. The economic growth rate, which was previously at a level of 7- 8%, has now come down drastically up to the level of 1-2%. Hon. Gotabaya Rajapaksha, our President makes tremendous efforts to overcome this situation. Therefore, it is your duty and responsibility as the younger generation to extend the utmost commitment to make the expectation of the President a reality.”

Seventy five candidates, who secured highest marks at the open competitive examination held in 2018 for recruitment to Sri Lanka Planning Service, were awarded letters of appointment at the end of six months training. Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration conducted this programme and measures were taken to provide theoretical as well as practical knowledge through the training.

In his address Hon. Minister added:

“You are responsible to launch at rural level all the development projects planned by the central government. We expect to ensure the transparency whilst extending services devoid of corruption. We hope that you will provide your service at any place where you are attached. As a government we cannot let our country further be a victim of poverty. People of this country demanded an approach for development electing a new leader as the President. Therefore our unity must be the foundation of this journey. Don’t hesitate to take proper decisions. We are always on your side as far as you take correct decisions.”

Mr. S. Hettiarachchi, Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. B.K.S. Ravindra, Secretary of the State Ministry and other dignitaries have participated in this event.