Govt allocates funds for development, urges skilled technical workforce: Minister

Colombo, June 16 (Daily Mirror) - Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Chandana Abayarathne said that the current government has properly allocated necessary funds for development activities at district and divisional levels since assuming office, stressing that skilled human resources in engineering, planning, and technical fields are essential for their effective utilization.

He made these remarks today while attending the appointment award ceremony held at the “Nilamadura” Auditorium in Colombo 05 for 133 newly selected Technical Officers into Class III of the Sri Lanka Technological Service.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Minister and State Minister Ruwan Senarath, with the participation of senior officials of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. Out of nearly 3,500 candidates who sat for the competitive examination held on October 25 and 26, 2025, 133 candidates were selected representing all districts of the island. The new officers will be attached to vacant positions in District and Divisional Secretariats.

The Minister said that recruitment to Class III of the Technological Service has resumed after a gap of nine years since 2014, adding that recruitment in several sectors of the public service had stalled after 2021.

He said that although development funds have been allocated properly, delays and inefficiencies had previously arisen due to shortages of technical officers in engineering, planning, and related fields. “As a result, some development projects were delayed or abandoned, reducing financial productivity,” he said.

The Minister further said that the government has taken a policy decision to strengthen both central and provincial public services. He noted that nearly 5,000 public servants were recruited last year, with further recruitment plans underway following the teacher recruitment examination held on May 24.

Highlighting broader reforms, he said the government is working to support key initiatives such as “Digital Sri Lanka” and poverty eradication by strengthening the public service. He also pointed to significant budget allocations aimed at improving public servant welfare.

He outlined planned salary revisions as follows:

From January 1, 2025: Over Rs. 11,000 crore allocated for salary increases

From January 1, 2026: Over Rs. 11,000 crore allocated for further salary revisions

In 2027: Another major salary increase with similar allocation

He added that retirement allowances will also be adjusted from January 1, 2027, with the aim of ensuring a more satisfied and efficient public service.

State Minister Ruwan Senarath said the government is restoring a weakened public service and ensuring merit-based recruitment without political interference. He noted that the new system ensures qualified youth are appointed fairly, regardless of political background.

He urged new appointees to focus on public service delivery rather than seeking political transfers, emphasizing that technical officers play a key role in linking field operations with administrative decision-making.

Warning that Sri Lanka is lagging behind global digital transformation trends, he said the government is preparing plans for rapid digitalization, including steps toward a cashless digital economy and expanded digital education in schools and universities.

He also said that within the past four months, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has taken action against over 30 public servants, including more than 10 arrests in the past month.

“The projects you approve are funded by public money. Therefore, integrity and responsibility are essential in every decision,” he said, adding that the government maintains a strict anti-corruption stance under the vision “A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life.”

The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, along with additional secretaries, staff officers, the newly appointed officers, and their families.