President urges Govt. officials to resolve public’s problems
Wednesday, 10 July 2013 00:54
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday requested Government officials to increase their interaction with the public to resolve their problems and address their grievances.
Addressing the progress evaluation meeting of the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs held Monday to prepare the 2013-2015 mid-term plan, the President has asked the public servants to “move away from air conditioned rooms and to go before the general public” to resolve their problems.
Sri Lanka’s public service is often criticised as inefficient and slow in providing services to the public and the Government under the direction of the President is attempting to improve its image.
At the meeting, the President has asked the officials to prepare Government policies in a way the public grievances can be addressed efficiently.
Questioning the delays in holding Divisional Secretariat Division Development Committee meetings, the President ordered the local authorities such as Divisional Secretaries and the Grama Niladaries to promptly provide solution to people’s problems.
Addressing the issue of land disputes, the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa has pointed out that although the Government has granted the ownership of state lands, they have not yet been handed over to the appropriate groups.
Among other issues discussed at the meeting were filling the vacancies of technical officials, and utilising public resources appropriately.
The President has also instructed the public officials to be courteous in answering the telephone calls of the general public.Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne, Deputy Minister Wijaya Dahanayake, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Finance and Planning Ministry Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, and Secretary to the Ministry P.B. Abeykoon were also present.
