Disregard post-poll political changes, serve the people: President to Ministry Secretaries

Ministry Secretaries have been instructed by President Maithripala Sirisena to disregard any political changes that occur after elections, but to continue with their development programmes to serve the people.

President Sirisena summoned all Ministry Secretaries to the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (16) and told those present at the meeting that, it was normal for there to be changes in the political arena after an election, but the officials should continue their work regardless of what happens.

Several Ministry Secretaries, who spoke to the Sunday Times, said the meeting was purely related to administrative issues and they were instructed to fully use the decentralised Budget allocations and do the best they can through their Ministries, to fulfill the needs of the general public.

Noting that, he had received information that certain Ministries are not functioning properly during the present post- election period, the President had stated that the policy of the Government regarding the country’s development process will not be changed under any circumstances.

The President had further pointed out there was a need to resolve institutional problems which crop up when implementing this process. He had advised the secretaries to continue development projects, while also reviewing prog ress of those pro - grammes.

The President instructed the Ministry Secretaries to inform the relevant Ministers to arrange meetings within this month, as already, the appropriate timetables to hold D i s t r i c t D eve l o p m e n t Committee meetings and Re g i o n a l D eve l o p m e n t Committee meetings have been sent.

President Sirisena had also stated that he expects to visit every Ministry in the future, to be apprised of the programmes being carried out at ministerial level.

President Sirisena had also stated that he expects to visit every Ministry in the future, to be apprised of the programmes being carried out at ministerial level.

During the meeting, attention was paid to the issue of coconut prices and the need to take stern action against individuals 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. Further, the President emphasised the need to promote coconut cultivation in areas where coconut is not cultivated.

M i n i s t r y S e c re t a r i e s including the Secretary to the President, Austin Fernando, also participated in this meeting.