அபயரத்ன, அரச நிர்வாகம், மாகாண சபைகள் மற்றும் உள்ளூராட்சி பிரதி அமைச்சர் பி. ருவன் செனரத், ஜனாதிபதியின் செயலாளர் கலாநிதி நந்திக சனத் குமாநாயக்க, பிரதமரின் செயலாளர் ஜி. பிரதீப் சபுதந்திரி, பொது நிர்வாக, மாகாண சபைகள் மற்றும் உள்ளூராட்சி அமைச்சின் செயலாளர் எஸ். அலோக பண்டார, மாவட்ட அரசாங்க அதிபர்கள், மாவட்ட செயலாளர்கள் உள்ளிட்ட பலர் இந்நிகழ்வில் கலந்துகொண்டனர்.
Today (20), I participated in the District Secretaries/Government Agents Conference held at the auditorium of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the “Nila Madura” located in Narahenpita.
During my address, I highlighted that the service, which has transitioned from being referred to as Government Agents to District Secretaries, has a history of approximately 200 years and has played a significant role in steering the country towards a new direction. However, I also acknowledged that the current state of affairs is far from satisfactory in achieving the ultimate goals and objectives. I pointed out that the public has lost faith in receiving fair services from state institutions and expressed concern about the systemic collapse of governance.
I emphasized the need to introspect whether we are prepared to restore this broken system. I also stressed that both political authority and the public service must take responsibility for meeting public expectations. I clarified that the issue does not lie with positions within the state service but rather with ensuring that those who assume these roles lead effectively.
Acknowledging global changes, I pointed out the lack of effective leadership in certain positions and noted that during my recent visit to India, I agreed to provide training for approximately 1,500 officials to address this gap. Furthermore, I stated that the government plans to offer scholarships for a significant number of students who excel in the upcoming Advanced Level examinations to pursue overseas education.
I also questioned the foundation on which some institutions and positions have been established and noted that transforming our state service into a systematic governance mechanism remains a pressing challenge. To address this, I highlighted the necessity of a new framework. I announced the formation of a new committee to reassess existing state institutions, ensuring decisions are made free from political interference.
While there is no intention to downsize the public service, I underscored the issue of the financial burden it imposes. I advocated for a streamlined mechanism to sustain state services effectively. As political authority, I assured my full support in implementing these tasks while emphasizing that success depends on the contribution of public officials.
I noted that public servants account for 80% of the public mandate, and collaboration between political authority and state service is essential. These two entities must work together as complementary partners, as demonstrated in recent public consultations. Both sides have agreed on shared objectives and responsibilities.
I also stressed the need to reassess public-related projects, including expediting the digital identity card initiative and launching the “Clean Sri Lanka” project on January 1st of 2025. I announced plans to implement several projects under three key areas—poverty eradication, digitization, and societal transformation—to elevate our country to a new level.
Finally, I assured that if any official faces injustice or challenges while executing these responsibilities, I would stand by them for their protection. However, I warned that deliberate attempts to hinder or undermine these efforts would be addressed with equal firmness.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Dr. A.H.M. Abeyrathne, Deputy Minister P. Ruwan Senarath, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, and several other dignitaries, including Government Agents, District Secretaries, participated in this occasion.