President Mahinda Rajapaksa called on public servants to work with dedication to raise Sri Lanka to a very high status among the nations of the world. Addressing a simple ceremony to mark the New Year at the Presidential Secretariat, he said that staff of his office should set an example to more than a million public servants by dedication, commitment and efficiency.

The President said that after the restoration of peace last year, the new year should be dedicated to development activities to take economic progress to an unprecedented level.

Earlier, the staff of the Presidential Secretariat took a pledge to work efficiently and productively with commitment, dedication and honesty, keeping the best interest of the public in mind. The oath of allegiance was taken before Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President.

A dozen Buddhist monks chanted pirith, invoking blessings on the President and the staff.