Five major programmes proposed in the 2024 budget were taken for discussion.
Accordingly, a lengthy discussion with the government officials who were present on issues regarding the programmes of Aswesuma programme, “Urumaya” - distribution of freehold deeds, the decentralized budget, and “Kandukara Dashakaya” (Decade of upcountry) programme and how those programmes should be implemented.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe also addressed this occasion.
Prime Minister commented as follows –
As public officials, you are a group of people who have come forward with a number of experiences. A group of experienced government officials have gathered in this place. It should also be said that they are a team that is continuously implementing the decisions of the government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Today, the country has come forward through the correct leadership of the President. As government officials, you can also be proud that the country has reached stability quantitatively and effectively.
A large number of foreign tourists are coming to the country today. Tourists are traveling to rural areas more than before. They also have confidence in the country. The President has received the support of the state mechanism to rebuild the country. We need your support to solve the problems of the village without neglecting any area. You are also entrusted with the responsibility of governing without violence.
The country has undergone many changes. A severe crisis had to be faced two years ago because the Members of Parliament were part of the governance. Divisional Secretaries are bound to run the regime non-violently without conflicts and violence. In the past, during the 1971 youth uprising, the Divisional Secretaries had to flee. That is the truth. Today, a parliamentarian had to sacrifice his life. Incidents like the murder of the Seruwila Divisional Secretary took place in the past.
Government officials know the difference between a peaceful and a contending way forward. It affects the way to maintain the services and development of a country. As of today, discussions have been held to resolve the problems step by step faced by the District and Divisional Secretaries to rebuild the country. As a government, we expect to solve the problems you are facing step by step through those discussions. You have been vested with great power in this government mechanism. I request all of you to have the strength and determination to sincerely implement the government policies and contribute to the development of the country.
State Minister Ashoka Priyantha, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance K.M.M. Siriwardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Pradeep Yasaratne and other secretaries of other ministries, government officials, District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries participated in this event.
Prime Minister’s Media