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I am of the view that the New Year dawns at a time when the entire Sri Lankan nation is beaming with hopes for a new era in economic, political, social, cultural and technological spheres of life, in their Motherland. Hence, the new government welcomes the New Year with determination and commitment to make it the Year of Prosperity

As a country with our own vision we can be proud of many great achievements in the past. We as a government step into the New Year with the utmost commitment to ensure prosperity by awakening our identities and skills and by interfacing them with modernity. The country is in need of a strong and vibrant economy which gives priority to nationalistic aspirations. Such an economy will further cement our resolution for independence.

I am also aware that a well protected nation with a disciplined society is the foremost expectation of the people. It is in such a society that soaring aspirations of the present and future generations will become a reality. We as adults should go hand in hand in unison to reach those objectives during the New Year.

The new government is the outcome of the unity among the people who love their country. We will not allow any force to obstruct the realization of peoples expectations. The sole aim is to create a conducive environment where all can live harmoniously in peace.

It is my fervent belief and hope that the freshness formed in the hearts and minds of the people with the advent of New Year will facilitate the implementation of the – Saubhagyaye Dekma – the blue print to build a whole new country.

I wish all our citizens and our beloved children a very happy New Year which will usher in a bountiful future

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has paid his attention to bring gathering of all personal information such as National Identity Cards, driving licenses, immigration and emigration documents, registration of births and deaths under one data collection center.

This will be instrumental in reducing time, effort and money spent on such services at present said President Rajapaksa during a discussion with the officials of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology held at the Presidential Secretariat today (30).

The existing practice is to gather same information by several entities. If this can be brought under one umbrella organization, it will greatly reduce delays and ensure efficiency, the President pointed out.

President also said this will prevent the circulation of erroneous and duplicitous information.

The inter-connectivity among ministries, departments and semi-governmental organizations is vital in the development process of the country. A high level of productivity can be achieved by networking relevant organizations.

The attention of the President was drawn to assigning some of the projects currently under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to the ministries or institutions which are directly responsible for the outcome of the programme.

The case of handing over the school computer labs project to the Ministry of Education was cited as an example.

Minister Bandula Gunawardene, State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene, secretaries to the ministries and several other officials were present at the discussion.

Let us fulfill the aspirations of the people winning the challenges

• Energetic Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas, a timely need
• Swift measures to re-commence the derailed development while boosting the economy

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emphasized that it is the responsibility of the people’s representatives to act in a manner that fulfills the expectations of the people.

The President pointed out that well- functioning of Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas is a timely need in order to reach that objective.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Heads of the Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas at the President’s House yesterday (28) afternoon.

The President extended his gratitude to Chairmen and representatives of all Local Authorities who were a great strength at grassroots level for the victory at the Presidential Election.

“It is a challenging responsibility vested on me and all other representatives to fulfill the aspirations of the people who played their role to achieve a remarkable victory,” the President said adding that it is the responsibility of everyone to commit in this regard.

‘’People are eagerly looking at our actions from garbage disposal to the development of the economy. People should not be burdened when it comes to meet their daily needs. It is the responsibility of all public servants to ensure an efficient and people-friendly public service,’’ the President said. He also stressed that the public service should always be free from corruption.

The then government was defeated in 2015 when the country was on the path of development and the economy was strong. We must understand the reasons why the people rejected the then government, President Rajapaksa said adding that if we fail to understand this, the victory we received could not be carry forward.

The lost jobs must be reassigned to the workforce, encouraging collapsed businesses while securing investors. This will enable the country to expand its economy, the President said.

The confidence placed by the foreign investors prior to 2015 should be restored, he said. The contribution of experts and professionals will be a great strength in the process of taking the country on the right path, the President further said.

Farmers already receive the benefits of agricultural export crops. The benefits of tax incentives should be made available to the entire population, the President said.

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution has been a major obstacle to the governance mechanism. The President stressed the need of a strong Parliament to abolish this amendment. The President said that it is the key factor to fulfill the aspirations of the people.

Ministers Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Pavithra Wanniarachchi,  Johnston Fernando and Prasanna Ranatunga were also present.

• Produce workers qualified for domestic and international job markets
• Priority should be given to empower low income communities

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed the relevant authorities to meet the responsibility of producing skilled workers for the local and international job markets by reviving the vocational training sector.

President emphasized this during a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations held at the Presidential Secretariat this evening (27).

President directed that immediate measures should be taken to introduce right courses by studying local and international job markets to meet their requirements accordingly. President also highlighted the importance of focusing on training opportunities related to self-employment in order to empower low income families.

President inquired about the scope and the operation of institutes that come under the purview of the   Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations.

There are several vocational training institutes currently under the Ministry of Skills Development. All such entities should work together in a systematic and a well-planned course of action.

It is important to make a difference in the attitudes of the youth regarding the vocational training sector. President also highlighted the necessity of planning and designing courses in a manner that will create sense of professionalism and attractiveness.

Agriculture is the most important sector in the country. The President paying his attention regarding the issue of not conducting adequate  degree programmes related to this sector said that there is an enormous need in the country for experts and researchers in agricultural sector as much as we need medicine and engineering graduates.  This need should be addressed when designing new courses.

President Rajapaksa pointed out the importance of creating appropriate job opportunities for women who are seeking foreign employment opportunities while providing them with proper training.

During this meeting, it was discussed in detail regarding the training of nurses  for whom there is a high demand in the world.

The President drew the attention of the officials on the immediate implementation of a system which will provide job opportunities for the youth who are receiving vocational education.

The activities of the National Productivity Secretariat were reviewed with the aim of providing people centric state service.

President Rajapaksa pointed out the necessity of an appropriate system to increase the productivity of the state institutions. He advised the officials to identify a number of institutes that have a direct impact on the day-to day lives of the public and take measures to increase their efficiency and productivity.

The contribution that the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations can make towards the programme of the President to create 100,000 employment opportunities for youths of low income families and who do not have required educational qualifications was also examined.

Officials pointed out that the step taken by the President to bring the subjects of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations under one Ministry which was earlier under three different Ministries is favourable towards the country’s development.

Minister Dinesh Gunawardene, Secretary to the Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations D. M. Sarath Abeygunawrdene, Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Anura Dissanayake and several other senior officials were present during the discussion.

Inspects the Defence Ministry premises too

The paramount duty of the public officials is to deliver an efficient and optimum service

No disorder should occur when providing service; process should be streamlined within a month before my next visit – President tells officials

It is the duty of all public officials to provide a prompt and accurate service to the public without inconveniencing anyone who are seeking the service, emphasized President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Similarly, no irregularities should occur during the course of action.

President made these observations while on an inspection tour at the Department of Motor Traffic (RMV) office in Werahera today (26).

President inspected every section at the office.

Later, President met several senior officials and discussed the operation at the office.

“Time is a vital factor for anyone. Hence, the officials should be committed themselves to provide their service in an efficient manner. The client should be notified when their job can be completed. This will be helpful for the public to attend their other work instead of waiting and wasting their time at the office,” said the President while highlighting the importance of resolving issues through negotiation.

“It is very important that institutions such as Department of Motor Traffic which serves a large number of people in the country set an example to others. When delivering their service all the officials should firmly resolve themselves to prevent any fraud or corruption”. President instructed to recruit suitable candidate from among the 54,000 unemployed graduates to fill any existing vacancy.

The public is appalled by the actions of the politicians and the officials. Both parties should work in a responsible manner to change this situation, President added.

President Rajapaksa also visited the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU).

President instructed the relevant authorities to address all the shortcomings immediately and make the hospital fully functional.

There are only 40 specialists serving at the moment where the requirement for specialist doctors stands at 68. Although, the requirement of general physicians is 100, there are only 20 doctors in service.

Only 04 wards out of 9 with 700 beds are in use. President directed to take measures to address these issues swiftly.

Recruitments should be done in accordance with the proper procedure followed by vacancy announcements.

President also went on an inspection tour at the Ministry of Defence premises in Galle Face.

President discussed with the officials regarding the maintenance of premises and he instructed to expedite land preparation according to a proper plan.

A series of commemoration events were held today (26) across the country to remember those who have been killed and injured in the Indian Ocean Tsunami 15 years ago.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa joined with all Sri Lankans who still suffer due to the loss of their loved ones.

‘The worst natural calamity Sri Lanka has ever experienced is the Tsunami tragedy. We should never forget the bitter memories of that shocking experience. ” President Rajapaksa emphasized the importance of formulating an early preparedness system utilizing past experience to prevent such disasters in the future.

‘We need to adopt new technology in this regard’, said the President advising officials to conduct continuous reviews of those initiatives.

The President further said that it was the responsibility of the nation to pay homage to those who lost their lives due to the Tsunami calamity while invoking blessings on them. The President wished that such a disaster may never occur again.

Information has been received about a conmen who intimidated a Principal of a popular school in Moratuwa claiming him to be an Adviser to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The Colombo Crime Division has already commenced investigations into the incident.

The occurrence was also reported by some media institutes.

The Presidential Secretariat urges the public not to fall prey to such fraudsters and report them to the Police as such anti-social elements must severely be dealt with.

The dawn of  brings immense joy to all, awakening the hearts of devotees of the noble religion of Jesus Christ, which brought the of peace and harmony to the world.

The real meaning of Christmas is to make our lives meaningful. For that, we need to fill our hearts with love and compassion while completely eliminating sinful thoughts. We must uncover the path of spirituality shown by the Jesus to the whole world by getting rid of all wrongdoings. Christianity interprets it as the eternal life.

The sound of hymns tells us ‘peace be upon pious individuals “. Our aspiration and commitment is to usher in a society with virtuous humans. We strongly believe that the desire and the blessings of the God is also for the same objective. We should take steps to prevent recurrence of mournful experiences occurred at the sacred places of worship in the recent past. At present there is an environment in the country where citizens can celebrate Christmas without fearful thoughts and suspicion. It is the aspiration of all kind hearted persons which became a reality, and it will provide relief for the hearts which were deeply saddened and shaken. Let us again dedicate ourselves with determination to create a better society where all the human beings will be treated equally, the way Jesus Christ taught us.

I wish all Christians in Sri Lanka and around the world a merry Christmas filled with joy and prosperity where Jesus teachings of forgiveness, humanity and love spread across the country.

• Harvest purchase on a scientific method from next season
• President instructs to broaden rice storage facilities

The Cabinet Sub Committee on Cost of Living was convened for the first time under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, today (24).

During this meeting, special attention was drawn to provide essential food items for the public during the upcoming festive season at concessionary rate and ensuring that there is no any shortage.

Furthermore, President Rajapaksa instructed the officials to follow a scientific method to purchase harvest from next season.

The President pointed out that many issues arise during the process of paddy purchasing will be resolved through this procedure. Attention was drawn to broaden the rice storage facilities across the country.

President Rajapaksa also inquired about how the public will receive the benefit of  rice prices controlled by the government.

The Consumer Affairs Authority revealed that selling rice at prices higher than the Maximum Retail Price is gradually decreasing and the raids on rice traders selling rice at higher prices have been broadened. Also, swift actions have been taken to apprise the traders in this regard.

An assessment was held regarding the steps taken by the government to control the wheat flour price as well as regarding the tax reliefs given for the other essential food items.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ministers and MPs including Chamal Rajapaksa, Ramesh Pathirana, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Vidura Wickramanayake, Sanath Nishantha, Taraka Balasuriya, Secretary to the President, P.B. Jayasundara, Ministry Secretaries and public servants participated on this occasion.