Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in a recent discussion with senior officials of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in government development projects. She highlighted the role of government officials in ensuring the relevance and benefits of these projects, which are often funded by public loans.
Key Highlights:
- Responsibility of Government Officials:
Prime Minister Amarasuriya urged government officials to ensure that all development projects carried out under both local and foreign financial allocations are community-friendly and serve the country’s best interests. She emphasized that officials should engage in open dialogue with relevant stakeholders and use their expert knowledge to assess the projects’ suitability. - Public Accountability in Development:
Dr. Amarasuriya reminded officials that many development projects are funded by loans that the public will ultimately repay. As such, it is critical for officials to make decisions that prioritize the public’s welfare, ensuring that projects are appropriate and beneficial. - Reforms in Independence Day Celebrations:
The Prime Minister announced a significant shift in the focus of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day celebrations from 2025, stating that future events will be held on behalf of ordinary citizens, rather than catering to the elite. She assured that these events would be organized in a way that does not burden school children or the public. - Handling Official Residences:
Regarding the issue of official residences, Dr. Amarasuriya called for the strict enforcement of laws requiring ministers to vacate official residences once their tenure ends. She stressed that failure to comply will result in legal action. - Transfer of Land to Sirimavo Bandaranaike College:
The Prime Minister addressed the long-pending transfer of land to Sirimavo Bandaranaike College, emphasizing that the land in question, which includes a ministerial residence, should be surveyed and handed over to the school promptly, based on a 1994 Cabinet decision.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s directives highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and public welfare in development projects and governmental reforms. The focus on community-friendly projects and reforms in official matters reflects the administration’s broader vision for public service improvement.
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya Prime Minister’s Office Sri Lanka
Last modified: October 13, 2024
