Defence Secretary highlights public servants' role
in Sri Lanka’s development agenda
January 01, 2025
“It is the responsibility of all public servants to support Sri Lanka’s development approach for a better future in every possible way,” said Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), emphasizing the critical role of the public sector in advancing national progress.
Speaking to staff at the Ministry of Defence during a special program held today (Jan 01), to ceremonially commence the New Year’s work, the Defence Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a prosperous nation and ensuring a high quality of life for all citizens under the theme: “Creating a Prosperous Nation and Ensuring a Beautiful Life for Everyone.”
The Defence Secretary called on public servants to dedicate themselves to fostering a law-abiding, disciplined, and harmonious society, transcending political, racial, religious, and caste differences. He stressed that unity and collective effort are essential for building a prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka.
He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, launched under the leadership of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This program aims to promote sustainable environmental, economic, and social development while fostering moral and ethical rejuvenation across the nation.
The ceremonial activities at the Ministry of Defence began with the hoisting of the national flag by the Defence Secretary, followed by the reciting of the National Anthem. Attendees then observed a two-minute silence in honour of the nation’s fallen war heroes and those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
The “Clean Sri Lanka” program, which seeks to ensure an efficient and effective public service, was officially inaugurated at the President’s Office earlier in the day. Ministry of Defence staff also joined the initiative by taking the “Clean Sri Lanka Citizen’s Pledge” as part of their commitment to the programs’ objectives.
Senior ministry officials, departmental heads, tri-forces and police officers, and members of the Ministry staff were present at the event, underscoring the collective resolve to support Sri Lanka’s development agenda in the year ahead.
