President Maithripala Sirisena instructed Ministry Secretaries to continue with the programs implemented under the purview of their Ministries, without leaving room for shortfalls on development projects of the country, a media communiqué by the President’s Media Division stated yesterday.
According to the communiqué, President Sirisena has said although it is common for changes to occur in politics after an election, the responsibility lies on the Secretaries to continue work on the development projects, as per the policies of the government, for the betterment of the people.
The President expressed these views as certain Ministries were not functioning properly during the post-election period, the communiqué read. “President Sirisena said that the policy of the Government on the development process of the country will not change under any circumstance,” the communiqué further said. The release added that President Sirisena pointed out the need to solve issues, which arise at institutional level when implementing the projects, and further advised to continue development projects while reviewing its progress.
Further, the release said the President instructed the Ministry Secretaries to inform the relevant Ministers to arrange meetings within this month, as the appropriate timetables to hold District Development Committee meetings and Regional Development Committee meetings have been already sent.
“The President also said that he expects to visit every Ministry in the future to look into the programs carried out at ministerial level. He also expects to implement plans in the agricultural field and in the food production process, to face future drought situations and climate change, following consultations with the geologists, scientists and other relevant experts.”
The release added that the President paid attention to the issue of coconut prices and the need to take stern action against people who violates the law on land divisions.
“Discussions were held to provide facilities for smallscale planters under the Ministry of Plantation Industries for coconut cultivation. Further, the President emphasised the need to promote coconut cultivation in areas where coconut is not cultivated,” the release said.