Defence and Urban Ministry starts 2015 on a ceremonious note

Friday, 2 January 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development yesterday in view of the New Year. The customary ceremony is held at the beginning of every year to usher in the New Year and also renew the pledge of the state service. Chief Guest the Secretary of Defence and Urban Development, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, accompanied by the Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Ioma Rajapaksa, upon hoisting the national flag, exchanged greetings with those present.

After observing a moment of silence as a tribute to the war heroes, the heads and officials of institutions coming under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development and the ministry staff who were present at the venue took the Government’s Servant’s Oath. Speaking at the occasion, Gotabaya Rajapaksa requested those present to continuously work towards the development of the country with commitment and said that government servants perform a huge service towards the growth of the country and should strive to achieve national targets.

He expressed gratitude for the outstanding services rendered by the institutes under the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development during the past year and also wished everyone a successful New Year. The Secretary of Defence and Mrs. Rajapaksa joined those present in enjoying a traditional breakfast spread after the morning’s proceedings.