The Awards Ceremony of the Management Competition organized by the Ministry of Public Administration & Home Affairs with the purpose of creating an excellent public administration by appreciating the services rendered by Divisional Secretariats and Grama Niladhari officers was held at Temple Trees on November 26 with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Divisional Secretariats and Grama Niladhari divisions that became the first in the competition in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 were presented certificates of merit and awards. The President presented certificates to Grama Niladhari divisions who emerged first, second and third in the years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, and the Divisional Secretariats that emerged first, second and their in 2009-2010.

The presentation of special merits for 2009 and 2010 was attended by Minister of Public Administration & Home Affairs W. D. J. Seneviratne and Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa. Deputy Minister of Public Administration & Home Affairs Vijaya Dahanayake presented certificates of merit to the Divisional Secretariats that emerged successful in those years.

Grama Niladhari officers were presented certificates of merit for 2008 and 2009 by Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration & Home Affairs P.B. Abeykoon.

Grama Niladhari officers selected in the years 2009-2010 were presented special awards by Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga. Courtesy and discipline are the sacred responsibility of the state service, the Secretary noted. Focusing on discipline in holding competitions, and encouraging government workers is very significant, he added.

The President was felicitated for revitalizing the public service that was being neglected.

Expressing his views, Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa stated that the President has advised to seek the assistance of local governance when taking the development thrust forward. This reflects the President’s trust in local governance, he said.

This event was attended by District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, and a gathering of officers.