Public needs and aspirations changed – President

Saturday, 9 November 2013 05:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the elected representatives of the people should take cognisance of the fact that public needs and aspirations have also changed with the rapid development taking place in the country. Addressing a public ceremony in Weeraketiya on Wednesday (7 Nov) to open the new office complex of the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha, he said that the people’s representatives should also understand this reality and be committed to genuine service. The President urged politicians to render a dedicated public service putting aside the traditional ways of thinking, while being of exemplary character. Politicians have to put aside their personal agendas when entering the field of politics and act with a common

agenda. “Today, a new era of development has dawned with the country placed on a rapid development track. ‘Gam Sabha’ were the forerunner to the Pradeshiya Sabhas,” he said. Best outcome from the Government The President said politicians should get the best outcome from the Government allocations for the betterment of the people. “Politicians as well as Government officials are duty bound to render the best service to the public. The Government allocates millions for upgrading infrastructure facilities aiming to provide a better public service,” the President said. He further said that people elect their representatives to obtain the best service from them. “Our aim is to provide a better service for the convenience to both the public and officials, by constructing new buildings allocating millions of public funds. Pradeshiya Sabha members associate with the public more closely than the other layers of politicians. Therefore, their thinking pattern and behaviour has a direct bearing on protecting the dignity of the Government,” the President noted. President Rajapaksa told all members of Local Government bodies to be committed to render the best service to the public, employing new thinking to meet public aspirations. “Weeraketiya occupies a significant and historic place in Sri Lankan politics. D.M. Rajapaksa, Gorge Rajapaksa started their political career while being among the villagers and the ordinary people. Disregarding personal interests They were exemplary characters in politics as well as public service. Therefore, the present politicians should also give priority to public needs disregarding their personal interests,” the President said. The new Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Saba office complex costs Rs. 50 million and is equipped with a library and auditorium. President Rajapaksa also opened the new three storey building complex of the Weeraketiya Divisional Secretariat and new two storey office complex of the Rural Banks Association of the Hambanthota District. Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris, W.D.J. Seneviratne, A.L.M. Athaullah and Mahinda Amaraweera were also present at these events.