-Minister Bimal Ratnayake–
Minister Bimal Ratnayake stated that past governments prioritized politics when recruiting for state institutions. The entire country knows how politicized institutions like the Road Development Authority were, how recruitments were made, how employees were made permanent, and how billions of rupees were wasted. The courageous and correct decision made by the people on September 21, 2024, has set the country on a different path. Past governments acted with a cruel political agenda and no conscience. That era has ended, and an incorrupt, equal-opportunity administration has now been established.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the ceremony to grant permanent appointments to casual workers of the Road Development Authority (RDA). The event was held recently at the public auditorium of Temple Trees.
“The culture of providing jobs only to party members now ended by the current government”
During the event, permanent appointment letters were given to 704 employees representing all nine provinces of the island, including the North and East. This group of employees, who were absorbed into the permanent service of the authority after 2017, will now actively contribute to the service in every district of the island.
Minister Bimal Ratnayake further stated: “In the past, the Road Development Authority recruited employees under various classifications. This government is committed to protecting the rights of workers. Job rights should not be harmed due to political or administrative reasons. Job security creates stability in life. Today, that has been achieved. This allows people to plan their lives. It has been revealed how employees were recruited, made permanent, and how money was embezzled in the name of development during past administrations. Some rulers in this country did not do evil deeds alone. They used business entities, groups of officials, and employees as their henchmen. They treated their party members with a dirty conscience and with cruel political motives.
On September 21, that cruel culture was destroyed, and the people gave a mandate for a corruption-free, accountable government. Accordingly, under this incorrupt administration, we have ended the culture of treating only party members. Therefore, everyone should understand the essence of the mandate and unite to build the country. Everyone is subject to the mandate. No one is above it. The appointments given today, without discrimination based on party, colour, province or race, are a result of the essence of September 21. Let’s create a culture of working for others and serving the country more than just doing a 9-to-5 job. Let’s build a society that thinks about each other. This country is yours, the right is yours. As the government, we will take care of you. All of you serve the country and the people.”
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Engineer Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Colombo District MP of the National People’s Power Chandana Suriyaarachchi, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Chairman of the Road Development Authority T. Paskaran, Director General Wimal Kandambi, and Deputy Director General Wimal Rajapaksa, among many others.
Suranga Lakmal
