Claiming that the government is not prepared to pay the state officials for nothing, President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged them to work or go home.
He said this while addressing the Anuradhapura District Development Council held at the Anuradhapura Golden Mango reception Hall today (21).
"There is a large contingent of state officials at ground level. I think there are around nine officers for each Grama Niladhari Division. I urge them to divide their sections so that each one is assigned a specific section. If you want to work, then work. If not, go home. We are not prepared to pay you for nothing. The District Secretaries must take on this responsibility. We can't afford to feed anyone for free. They need to contribute in some way. We have to pay and not even I can get to eat for doing nothing. If I don't develop this country, I will also have to go home. Therefore, let us start from the village," he said.
Provincial public representatives and government officials representing the United National Party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Sri Lanka Freedom Party attended the meeting which was called to review the development activities of the district and discuss future plans.
Expressing his views further the President said, “I came to Anuradhapura for the first time after assuming office. It is a tradition. We go to Kandy to receive the blessings of the sacred tooth relic. Similarly, I have come to Anuradhapura to receive the blessings of the Sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya.
"Anuradhapura was the capital of the Rajarata Kingdom. This is our beginning. We want to create a society that suites the 21st century. We cannot forget our civilization that started here with those activities. We must keep this in mind and move forward. Yesterday I worshiped at all eight religious sites and all the Chief monks invoked blessings upon me. I extend my sincere respectful gratitude to them.
Looking at the Anuradhapura district, I feel that we need to do more in this province. We want to make Anuradhapura and Kandy a major tourist center in this country. Tourists who come to this province finish their trip in half a day. It takes about a week to visit the ancient Egyptian kingdoms from the Nile Valley. But they don’t spend half an hour at our ancient sites. We need to change this. Anuradhapura is a sacred city in one sense. On the other hand, it should be turned into a historical city that has won tourist attraction. For this I will appoint a committee from all departments. Let's get consultants from France or some other country and let's talk about how to turn this city of Anuradhapura into a cultural and historical tourist center. This will give Anuradhapura a new economy. Tourists from countries such as Japan, South Korea and China come to our country. Excavation of the Great Temple (Maha Viharaya) is taking place as a major event today.The Maha Vihara Buddhism is what is practiced in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam. We have enough tourists from those countries to start these activities," he said.
"Back then, we commenced a project to construct the Upper Malwathu Oya. However, with today’s economic crisis, we have been compelled to postpone it. But there is no issue in delaying it by a year or two. During that time, we are using the Department of Archeology and other universities to investigate its beginnings. It is a very important matter. Today, the people of the country are under a lot of pressure. There was no such pressure back then. We need to get out of that situation. Our economy is going at 8% lesser when compared to last year. It is happening fast and everyone will have to suffer the consequences. In such a situation, we must try to reverse it and finding ways to develop. We must look at where we can initiate economic development. If we manage to successfully carry out the cultivation activities in the Maha season, we could pave the way for economic recovery. We have taken steps to provide the required fertilizer for the Maha Season cultivation. We have received aid for this purpose. We will also provide the fertilizer subsidy and provide the required seeds. The provision of fuel for agricultural activities is curren Hence, the beginning of these activities is the Maha Season. Let us commit ourselves to work hard in order to reap a good harvest from it. Our only help now is ourselves.
Help from outsiders has now ended. India has given us aid and the World Bank and other countries have also given us aid. With these concessions, let's start our agricultural revolution with farming. In this endeavour, responsibility has been assigned especially to the local council members. Let your MPs know what is lacking and what needs to be done. They will raise these issues in parliament. With the help of everyone, we can join together and carry out this work. Similarly, there is a large contingent of state officials at ground level. I think there are around nine officers for each Grama Niladhari Division. I urge them to divide their sections so that each one is assigned a specific section. If you want to work, then work. If not, go home. We are not prepared to pay you for nothing. The District Secretaries must take on this responsibility. We can't afford to feed anyone for free. They need to contribute in some way. We have to pay and not even I can get to eat for doing nothing. If I don't develop this country, I will also have to go home. Therefore, let us start from the village. Please continue this work as local councilors.
Former MPs also have the opportunity to join in and work well. Let's all do this together. We should not expect everything from the government. Now the time of living off the government is over. People expect politicians to find a solution to these economic problems. We must do it. People are asking us to come together and end this pressure. We need to understand that message. There is no point in sticking to the old politics. The people no longer think that changing parties in parliament would solve the country's problems. That is why these young people took to the streets and expressed their opposition. I call it a peaceful struggle. Later others turned it into a violent struggle. Why did this group come here? They came to solve this problem, don't give up on this. Don't run away because of a vote. Before that, come forward and do this work. Today there are people here who support 03 parties. The United National Party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. But I am not limiting this to you. Ask other parties to come too. Tell the SJB members to come too. Tell the JVP to come too. If they can take a share and get twice the yield per acre than we do, then they can demand for the government. Yet, if they can’t do that then there is no point. If they need power, then come forward and prove that you can work. Come to the village level and do it. I would like to talk to all the parties and bring them all together. It was this message that all the Mahanayakas of the eight holy sites from Jayashree Maha Bodhiya to Mihinthala told me. There is no point in going back to the old system. The media should also remember that. I would like to invite everyone to unite and move forward together. After the British era, it was decided by the Prime Minister at that time D.S. Senanayake to separate the holy city of Anuradhapura and build a new city. That task had been entrusted to Minister Solomon West Dias Bandaranaike. When this party was formed, D.S. Senanayake’s name was proposed as its leader by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. Another MP came and helped form this party. That was D.A. Rajapaksa. The United National Party is that spring that all this came about. I am not saying that they should all return to that original spring. But let's all come together and rebuild the country. Everyone worked together to obtain freedom for this country. They separated only after gaining independence. Now we have a difficult time ahead of us. We must all come together. Leaders of the left joined together to get freedom. The first opposition leader was N.M. Perera. There were Dravidian leaders, people like Ponnambalam. All these people came together. The time has come for all of us to work together again. Let's rebuild this country. When we work together, we get a new political theory. We can't travel the old path. Let's adopt a new method. We need to go on a cultural and political journey. Don't let anyone think that they can go for a vote today and get power. This is the fact. Let's speak the truth.
Therefore, let us all accept and act with responsibility," he further said.
Very good! Let's start with sending all Parliamentarians home!
Auditor Sunday, 21 August 2022 10:59 PM
Excellent. Please audit the work of each and every government servant
Raja Johan Monday, 22 August 2022 01:19 AM
This fact should have been accepted and implemented. Bumsucking by government servants should be stoped.
Tissa Fernando Monday, 22 August 2022 02:19 AM
Gota said the same thing for some time but finally he had yo go home. That is the reality of Sri Lanka. Diyaw Diyaw culture.
Ram Monday, 22 August 2022 02:36 AM
Talking is good. Whether Prez can keep the momentum going we have watch
Sivakumar, Jaffna Hindu Tamil Monday, 22 August 2022 03:05 AM
The economic crisis is not confined to
Sri Lanka alone even rich countries are facing difficulties. Britain is considering a plan to reduce the school functioning to four days a week. But what is unique only to Sri Lanka was the country suddenly went from economic crisis to total economic collapse. There is no way it could have happened as a natural phenomena.Some external hand is involved. The most obvious
suspect is INDIA.
BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 22 August 2022 10:08 AM
Oh nice, and then India are the only country that helps us out of the crisis with their own funds... so why make it happen in the first place. Did Weerawansa tell you this and you believed it?
Dan Monday, 22 August 2022 03:09 AM
Beautiful words don't bring back efficiency in state sector. A drastic change in the structure eliminating political interference and increasing efficiency in state institutions is a priority.
N Andhasena Monday, 22 August 2022 03:21 AM
Mr President, if anyone can fix this country you can. Having said that, the majority of the people in the country implore you to take action against corrupt politicians in particular the rajapakshas. If you can do that, you will be president for life. One of the slpp idiots who was with you was still praising the rajapakshas who demolished the country in every sense of the word. Please tell your forces to stop harassing the peaceful protesters.
Sunil Monday, 22 August 2022 12:17 PM
President for life? This back-door opportunist has been rejected by the masses at every election for the past 20 years. He will be booted out just like his predecessor.
Neil Monday, 22 August 2022 04:03 AM
Ranil should go home as he has no moral right to remain in the parliament. He and his party was rejected by the people at the last general election.
Gunadasa Monday, 22 August 2022 10:57 AM
Ranil is not in parliament, he is the president and he has every legal right to hold his position. I'm
Lion Monday, 22 August 2022 04:55 AM
He realized this after 43 years in the parliament after holding priminister post for 6 times. Mr priminister these are only rhetorics but in reality you got to carter to A grade rouges who brought you to your present position.You create positions for your friends which do not add a cent to our economy. Just practice your self before you preach others .
No more useless government servants Monday, 22 August 2022 05:06 AM
Very True President. We need leaders like you who will take strict decisions on useless state service
Allen Selwyn Monday, 22 August 2022 05:12 AM
Mr President please apply the same requirements to your 225 colleagues. Ask them to leave and return the luxury vehicles and I'll gotten loot.
Mr President you did not apply the same rules to yourself when you expanded the cabinet to 30!
K L L Fernando Monday, 22 August 2022 05:15 AM
Only this president has guts to tell that gov cannot pay for people not working. In India political leaders are pleading in Suprime Court over its decision given to appoint a committee to approve so called freebies. During President. Ranasinghe Premadasa Period he made a rule that any government position must be advertised and he made a written exams mandatory. But soon after Chandika gov, came she destroyed that practice and allowed the ministers to dump their stooges without any positions.
The president must introduce this system in the parliament which even JVP sadly does not talk.
The entire population is in agreement with the policy of this president that all the gov institutions running at a colossal loss must be privatized. But also would like to remind the president to have some soft corner for the Aragala Karuvo by giving an amnesty as getting world bank loan is of paramount important
H K Senevirtne Monday, 22 August 2022 05:28 AM
we had enough these from JR down the line
Dictator at pretend to work Monday, 22 August 2022 06:14 AM
Ranil contribution is cracking down on any who want to see an improvement for freedom and therefore the betterment including the economy of the country. Many dictator will say they improve the country, but stifle all other voices other than of that of his group. That always leads to disaster for the nation afflicted.
Ranil and his SLPP group is the same as other dictatorships now. His guilt burdening/tripping talk, if you can't work go home. Same as what the Gota said. Ridiculous, when workers go on strike, go home give up your jobs will be Ranil and the military backed government group's mantra.
No way any advanced, democracy would want to assist Sri Lanka with loans when they see such behaviour. Japan maybe is also like that, but over time they will continue to deteriorate, and they won't be able to hold their own against China.
Stillwin Monday, 22 August 2022 06:29 AM
Well researched good inspiring speach. The President also should demonstrate his goodwill by not engaging in witch hunts. Propping up those who offended the public should not be the hidden objective.
RR Monday, 22 August 2022 06:35 AM
If he could tell the same to the politicians??
SM Monday, 22 August 2022 07:04 AM
We’ll said, and the only way forward (now that other countries and institutions will no longer be a debt teat Sri Lankans can suckle on) if we want to get out of a feudal, menial existence. Developed countries did the same.
Problem is, past PA and SLPP governments have over the last 20 yrs bloated the useless government servants to over 10 times the size it should be, while creating culture of zero output and living off the teats drawing from the cesspool of government debt.
This means this huge number of selfish freeloaders and their families will vote in the next set of swindlers who promise to keep this freeloading teats going not caring the country will get into even worse debt. (After all it is we, not they, who have to break our backs to pay back the debt).
So people, unite against the useless civil servants and their selfish and destructive votes, and vote in people like Ranil who give realistic outlook; Hard work is the only way to generate wealth and prosperity.
Jayantha Monday, 22 August 2022 07:39 AM
Check the driving license issuing department. They are not issuing driving license cards saying they are not able to import cards. Instead they give a A4 printed paper as driving license and it cannot be used in wallet and may not even last long. Please kindly appoint someone who can think and work as head of department instead of the current person who does not have a plan or any idea about the durability of a A4 sheet. We already have qr codes like technology for fuel supply. Why he is not able to make the card locally and print using a technology like that. Please check.
Anura Nanayakkara Monday, 22 August 2022 07:54 AM
Wonderful speech with very important facts.People of this country should realise the present situation and should join together to develop our country.
Upul S. R. Monday, 22 August 2022 07:55 AM
Great speech. Now we all have to walk the talk. As he said we all should come together and try to build the country. There will be plenty of repair works. But if we try hard nothing is impossible. We all have to forget which party we are belongs to. We all are Sri Lankans. Please don't divide as Sinhales, Tamils or Muslims. We all are sons and daughters of mother Sri Lanka.
Message to parasites Monday, 22 August 2022 08:05 AM
Ranil spelled the reality of the situation in the country. It is not an emotional drama, with high and voice change, but a very measured tone, in an easy way but carried several messages. All those to whom it was addressed definitely understand their portion of the message. All the parasites go home - Govt. servants - top to bottom, campus students, bogus leaders, Unionists and politicians i.e. firebrands and nasal philosophers. If they still pretend that message is not for them, then, they are playing dumb.
R.K. Anandarajah [Attorney-at-Law] Monday, 22 August 2022 08:16 AM
Ranil please don't try to be so rood, first of all stop appointing 30 cabinet ministers and 40 State ministers this will help to save a lot of money wasting to your SLPP robbers.
Ranil go home Monday, 22 August 2022 08:17 AM
Do you think state officials will listen to a leader who has no mandate from the people. You should set an example by forming a capable cabinet and group of professionals who can lift the country up.
Very soon you will replace Gota as the worst president in Sri Lanka.
Atha Katha Somany Monday, 22 August 2022 08:19 AM
First of all Mr. Prez. reduce the Parliament expenses, reduce the staff of CPC, Electricity Board
Hi-Ronil Monday, 22 August 2022 08:24 AM
Stop paying compensation to your SLPP rotters who lost their houses set on fire as those houses were built with our looted money.
Dr. D.M.W. Bandaranayake [Activist] Monday, 22 August 2022 08:27 AM
You are planning to appoint Johnstan, Rohitha, Sarath Nishantha, Namal
jan Monday, 22 August 2022 08:29 AM
How can RANIL EXPECT SRILANKA TO WORK HE DELIBERATELY ROBBED ජාතියේ මහා පහන් ටැඹ මහා බැංකුව:RANIL IS ONLY 134 PARLIAMENTARIANS VOTES PRESIDENT ONLY HE IS NOT SRILANKANS ELECTED PRESIDENT DURING HIS TIME PASSKU BOMBINGS 2019 APRIL INNOCENT PEOPLE'S 279 DIED, ANOTHER 253 WOUNDED:40 MONTHS ELAPSED,STILL LAW IS REVERSING, ECONOMY SHATTERED DUE TO INEFFICIENT INCAPABLE OF HANDLING ECONOMY KEEPING USD AT 201:202:203 ON FABRICATED STATISTICS FOR 15 YEARS, SRILANKANS NEED FRESH ELECTIONS TO CHOOSE NEW PRESIDENT PM IMMEDIATELY NOW
Chris Monday, 22 August 2022 08:38 AM
Exactly. Sack all these useless strikers. We cannot move foward with these kinds of unions and unreasonable demands. Private sector works so hard. State sector is severely over staffed.
MirakRajBanda Monday, 22 August 2022 09:13 AM
''Work or go home''- yes, the door is open for you to leave Mr. President. YOU have been fed by this nation for more than 50 years for doing nothing.
As usual the preacher doesn't practice!!!!
Anne Karunaratne Monday, 22 August 2022 09:23 AM
All excess staff are political appointees. One person's job is divided to be done by at least 10!! Public sector is a burden to the nation.
Jayangalla Palangoda Monday, 22 August 2022 10:20 AM
You did nothing in the past as the PM for six times and came back to power without any mandate!! Now what are you talking?
Punchi Monday, 22 August 2022 10:41 AM
Our President, Ministers, MPs the entire structure failed us and didn't work as required for our wellbeing but also destroyed our country. Ranil is still paying them and also intends allowing a failed president back and rewarding him with undeserved benefits and perks.
Jef Monday, 22 August 2022 10:47 AM
Mr President very intelligent smart forward thinking if country need to moove right direction everyone should give the best shot like wise you need to cherry pick the best in most important portfolios who can produce great results for the country
Better for us ranil not work like he does Monday, 22 August 2022 11:32 AM
When Ranil works, he causes misery for those seeking for changing our society.
Although you have no personal dwelling anymore, I am sure the general public has to accept putting in money for building a personal palace for you.
Built on your land, so you retire and not keep doing the dirty work that you doing to us.
Aquarius Monday, 22 August 2022 11:41 AM
Our government service and state run institutions are over-staffed and most of the institutions are running at a loss, where the top are paid colossal salaries. Offering jobs for political supporters is the beginning of this menace. Unless corruption is dealt with severe punishment - including top gun ministers, we can never hope for a change.
Sam sen Monday, 22 August 2022 12:08 PM
Ok, excess staff go home and do what??? Are you expecting them to go rob the bank?? How can they live without an income??
You as President, use all resources at disposal and create the right environment so that people have enough work.
The current situation in the country was mainly the result of lack of proper governance. It was more of a result a corrupt, inefficient, reckless leadership.
Karalasingam Sivalingam Monday, 22 August 2022 01:04 PM
We said Mr. President, in most of the government departments, you can see, most of the employees, attending to their private errands than working or serving the public
Aquarius Monday, 22 August 2022 01:59 PM
The President can set the example by trimming down the cabinet to not more than 20 and get rid of State ministers. Also all additional perks should be cut
issa Monday, 22 August 2022 08:29 PM
Nothing will happened .we have seen so many like this
N Andhasena Tuesday, 23 August 2022 04:05 AM
Reply to Sunil and others with no sense of humour. My comment about president for life was sarcasm because that's RW's ambition. Having said that, can you name anyone in the aragalaya who had a genuine plan to resurrect the country? Having a chance to rid the country of corrupt parasites, it just fizzled out to nothing and now GR is supposed to be coming back with all the perks.
Batalanda re-visited Tuesday, 23 August 2022 06:08 AM
Go ahead, lead the way, Mr. President and don't forget your magic flute, your RATS love the sound of it and you'll go down in Lanka's history as the Pied Piper of Batalanda!!!!
just Tuesday, 23 August 2022 07:15 AM
even though people rejected you and your party that useless but you didn't not accept and came for the seat from back door then how can you say this statement genuinely and you also at pension age but how ever you need to remain the post but state officer should go home
what is your achievement after president electricity increased upto 75 % and kerosene Rs 340 now r u successfully doing something for country or people
Sam Sen Friday, 26 August 2022 06:54 PM
RW, you were PM for many years and opposition leader for many years.
With your knowledge, you should have well known about what the country is leading to.
You should also have known very well about Rajapakses looting the country in a massive scale.
Said that, you are also clearly responsible for the country’s demise.
The fact is that you are still driven by Rajapakses behind.
MR could give much more inspiring speech than you!!!!
Sam Sen Saturday, 27 August 2022 05:13 PM
RW, starting from DSS, all leaders of the country, regardless of their education and expertise, have actually mislead the country. Common blunders have been:
1. Didn’t bother to set a noble vision for the country.
2. Allowing corruption from top to bottom.
3. Adopting communal politics and trying to win votes from Sinhalese Instead of encouraging communal harmony and brotherhood.
4. Accepting and settling down with “third world mind set”. Always talking about foreign aid and debts. Never thought of building the country as an self sufficient economy. Misusing or misappropriation of foreign aids.
5. No accountability. Very inefficient and ineffective legal system.
So, RW, you have proved enough of yourself that you are impotent as a leader of a country. But a good thing with you is that atleast you know what mistakes that you did in the past.
Use your powers, appoint capable people, bring Rajapakses to justice by making sure the legal system works independently.
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