The new secretaries to ministries appointed by the President are at present undergoing a programme of orientation in their tasks by the Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga.

Based on his own considerable experience in the Public Service, and as Secretary to the President and former Prime Minister, Mr. Weeratunga is making the new secretaries and their key officers aware of the tasks they have to face, the difficulties ahead, the pitfalls they can expect to face, and the manner they can best deliver in the tasks allotted to them.

This orientation programme is part of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s interest in ensuring that those at the highest levels of the public service set an example in making a distinctive change for the better, in the manner of administration and interaction with the public

The orientation programme lays emphasis on achieving the government’s goals for development and the need for key officials of ministries, headed by their secretaries, to ensure the smooth work, good interaction with the Treasury and other ministries, as well as keeping in touch with the aspirations, feelings and concerns of the public.

The need for prompt response to letters from the public, together with necessary follow up action, where those who write are kept aware of action taken is an important aspect of this orientation programme; as is the necessity to be aware of criticism and shortcomings in administration found in the media, and carry out prompt remedial action where necessary.