COLOMBO: In a call to action for public servants, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) emphasized the crucial role of the public sector in advancing Sri Lanka’s national progress. He urged all public servants to actively support the nation’s development approach to ensure a prosperous future for the country.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the Defence Secretary addressed staff at the Ministry of Defence during a special program held to ceremonially commence the New Year’s work. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a prosperous nation and ensuring a high quality of life for all citizens under the theme: ‘Creating a Prosperous Nation and Ensuring a Beautiful Life for Everyone.’

The Defence Secretary called on public servants to foster a law-abiding, disciplined, and harmonious society by transcending political, racial, religious, and caste differences. He highlighted that unity and collective effort are essential to building a prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, he underscored the importance of prioritizing the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which aims to promote sustainable environmental, economic, and social development. This initiative also seeks to foster moral and ethical rejuvenation across the nation.

The ceremonial activities at the Ministry of Defence included the hoisting of the national flag by the Defence Secretary and the reciting of the National Anthem. Attendees observed a two-minute silence in honor of the nation’s fallen war heroes and those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ program, aimed at ensuring an efficient and effective public service, was officially inaugurated at the President’s Office earlier in the day. Ministry of Defence staff pledged their commitment to the initiative by taking the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Citizen’s Pledge.’

Senior ministry officials, departmental heads, tri-forces and police officers, and members of the Ministry staff attended the event, demonstrating their collective resolve to support Sri Lanka’s development agenda in the year ahead.