The yahapalana government increased the salaries of the public servants by Rs 10,000 and public servants should assess whether their productivity has increased in return, said Labour and Trade Union Relations Minister Ravindra Samaraweera yesterday.
He said that there has been a flaw in that the country which was second to Japan in the region at the time of independence where per capita income was concerned, has dropped its position pathetically. There are many protests staged in the country causing inconveniences to the public. It was not the case in other countries like Japan where the people worked hard to uplift the country’s economy since World War II.
He made these observations at the launching of the Productivity Promotion Guide at the Employees’ Trust Fund Department auditorium in Narahenpita.
He said that the people protested against SAITM even after the issue was solved. His personal view was that the country should have private universities.
The Minister said a political party used a ‘chit’ in the 1988-1989 period to close public offices. “Why can’t they use all these forces to uplift the public service, economy and develop the country?”
Minister Samaraweera said that five institutions which were under his Ministry in 2001 are now five separate ministries. “That’s no problem, but the productivity should be increased.”
He also said that paying the pension after 25 years could be a problem, due to the increasing ageing population. “This issue should be addressed, but some do not allow the solving of such issues. They stage protests.”
The Minister said further that the Japanese government was ready to develop the Railway service in Sri Lanka. But according to their law, they could do it if the Railways is an institution and not a department. “So we attempted to make it an authority,” Minister Samaraweera said. “But some protested against it. The issue is some people cannot stand to see the country being developed. That is their hypocrisy.”
The Minister said further that it is important that the public service improves its customer satisfaction levels. There should be a mechanism to achieve this target.
Public administration and Management and Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Employees’ Trust Fund Department Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mahinda Madihewa and National Productivity Secretariat Director Suranga Gunaratne also participated in the event.
Add new comment