President meets ministry secretaries

• Advises secretaries to continue development projects implemented for public’s benefit 

 President Maithripala Sirisena has given instructions to the secretaries of ministries to continue carrying out the programs implemented under the purview of the ministries as well as at the institutional level, without leaving any room for shortfalls with any development project of the country.

The President delivered these instructions during a meeting with ministry secretaries held on 16 February at the Presidential Secretariat.

Revealing that he had received information that certain ministries were not functioning properly in the wake of the recent Local Government elections, he said that the policy of the Government regarding the development process of the country would not change under any circumstances.    

“It is common for changes to occur in the field of politics after an election,” said President Sirisena, adding that it was the responsibility of the secretaries to continue development projects according to the policies of the Government for the betterment of the people, ignoring political situations.

President Sirisena pointed out the need for solving issues that arise at an institutional level when implementing that process and further advised to continue development projects while reviewing the progress of those projects.

The President instructed ministry secretaries to inform the relevant ministers to arrange meetings within this month, as already the appropriate timetables for District Development Committee meetings and Regional Development Committee meetings have been sent out.  

The President also said that he was to visit every ministry in the future to look into the programs being carry out at the ministerial level.

The President added that he expected to implement the necessary plans in the agricultural field as well as in the food production process while facing future drought situations and climate change, following consultation with geologists, scientists and other experts.

Further attention was paid to the issue of coconut prices and the need to take stern action against those who violate the act on land divisions.

Discussions were also held to provide necessary facilities for small-scale planters under the Ministry of Plantation Industries for coconut cultivation. Furthermore, the President emphasised the need to promote coconut cultivation in areas where coconut was not cultivated.

Ministry secretaries, including the Secretary to the President, Austin Fernando, were present at the meeting.