Challenge of development bigger than defeating terrorism – President

The challenge of development is much bigger than the challenges faced when defeating terrorism, and the staff of the Presidential Secretariat is well prepared to overcome these challenges, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He said so addressing the staff of the Presidential Secretariat marking the first working day of the public sector yesterday.

The President further stated that this staff is fortunate to be working at the Secretariat and hoped that they will set an example for the rest of the public sector.

He advised the staff and the entire public sector to complete the day’s work without delay and be committed to serve the people, adding that they need to ask themselves whether they carried out a service worthy of their salary.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga speaking on the occasion said that the Presidential Secretariat should live up to its position in the public sector and be efficient. He pointed out that out of the 365 days, 122 were holidays with an additional 45 days. Thus, he advised his staff to make the best of the remaining working days to provide an excellent service to the public.

On the occasion, Weeratunga led his staff in taking the pledge of the public service for 2011 themed, ‘Commit towards servicing the public with ‘Metta’. War heroes who lost their lives were also remembered.