“The terrorists are determined to weaken our Government and pressurise the international community against our country. They want to create mischief in the country and sabotage the humanitarian operations conducted by our Forces in the North. We should face the situation with patience. It is not that I cannot understand the difficulties suffered by the people. That is why the Government increased salaries thrice within 30 months.
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(July 09., Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The struggles to win rights and increase salaries could be launched because our valiant Forces are today fighting terrorism in the North President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.
“As a former labour leader who fought for workers’ rights and a former Minister of Labour, I do not see any wrong in workers resorting to trade union action, but it is a matter for regret that the methods to be adopted only where discussion fails to resolve problems, are being resorted to gain political mileage,” said President Rajapaksa at a special discussion with Sri Lanka Customs Department officers and its trade unions.
The Customs Trade Union deputation said earlier they met the President and had the opportunity to discuss their trade union matters. They also expressed their satisfaction over the fact that they have a leader who always upholds the cause of the working people and the Motherland.
Ways and means to realise revenue targets, collection of the anticipated revenue, departmental vacancies, promotions and salary anomalies in the Customs Department were widely discussed.
The President who pointed out that the challenge of transforming the Customs Department as a people-friendly institution which has won the public confidence remains with the Department and stressed it was the responsibility of the Customs to perform its duties in such a way that it could win the confidence of both large-scale and the small-scale entrepreneurs.
Expressing his satisfaction over the Customs Department restructuring programme, the President drew special attention of the customs officers on the irregularities associated with exports.
He also cautioned that the ever expanding open economy and market conditions be made use of for the common well-being as its misuse would be extremely harmful.
The President instructed the officials to fill up all vacancies and the recruitment and promotions be effected through competitive examinations.
Since the children of the working parents are prone to abuse, it is time for every institution to make room for a day-care centre, and notice of which should be taken when a new building complex is designed for the Customs Department the President said.
In reply to a question by the Trade Union officials, the President said, “today we are shouldering a heavy responsibility for the sake of the country. Despite inconveniences to be suffered by the employees, it is obligatory on the part of everybody to work with patience due to the war atmosphere prevailing in the country.
“Our valiant soldiers who are fighting for the country at the risk of their lives, did not press for bonuses or other dividends and resorted to strikes,” the President pointed out. All patriotic people should support the Government programme designed to dawn peace to the country and develop it and they should bear in mind that they are called upon to shoulder great responsibilities, the President stressed.
“The terrorists are determined to weaken our Government and pressurise the international community against our country. They want to create mischief in the country and sabotage the humanitarian operations conducted by our Forces in the North. We should face the situation with patience. It is not that I cannot understand the difficulties suffered by the people. That is why the Government increased salaries thrice within 30 months.
Whatever the difficulties, our Government never privatised any of the government institutions. When the SLFP leaders pulled my leg it was the JVP and JHU who came to my assistance. Therefore, I believe, no individual decision be taken but we must take the country forward.
We took over the reins of Government to put an end to the war and promote the well-being of the masses. Whatever the difficulties ahead we are moving ahead. Once we finishes it anybody can take over the country. I do not want to make the leadership a mere monument to me.
I believe all will extend their support to us in the interest of the future of the innocent people,” the President said.
Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and Customs Director General Sarath Jayatilleke and a large number of trade union representatives participated.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
___________________
(July 09., Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The struggles to win rights and increase salaries could be launched because our valiant Forces are today fighting terrorism in the North President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.
“As a former labour leader who fought for workers’ rights and a former Minister of Labour, I do not see any wrong in workers resorting to trade union action, but it is a matter for regret that the methods to be adopted only where discussion fails to resolve problems, are being resorted to gain political mileage,” said President Rajapaksa at a special discussion with Sri Lanka Customs Department officers and its trade unions.
The Customs Trade Union deputation said earlier they met the President and had the opportunity to discuss their trade union matters. They also expressed their satisfaction over the fact that they have a leader who always upholds the cause of the working people and the Motherland.
Ways and means to realise revenue targets, collection of the anticipated revenue, departmental vacancies, promotions and salary anomalies in the Customs Department were widely discussed.
The President who pointed out that the challenge of transforming the Customs Department as a people-friendly institution which has won the public confidence remains with the Department and stressed it was the responsibility of the Customs to perform its duties in such a way that it could win the confidence of both large-scale and the small-scale entrepreneurs.
Expressing his satisfaction over the Customs Department restructuring programme, the President drew special attention of the customs officers on the irregularities associated with exports.
He also cautioned that the ever expanding open economy and market conditions be made use of for the common well-being as its misuse would be extremely harmful.
The President instructed the officials to fill up all vacancies and the recruitment and promotions be effected through competitive examinations.
Since the children of the working parents are prone to abuse, it is time for every institution to make room for a day-care centre, and notice of which should be taken when a new building complex is designed for the Customs Department the President said.
In reply to a question by the Trade Union officials, the President said, “today we are shouldering a heavy responsibility for the sake of the country. Despite inconveniences to be suffered by the employees, it is obligatory on the part of everybody to work with patience due to the war atmosphere prevailing in the country.
“Our valiant soldiers who are fighting for the country at the risk of their lives, did not press for bonuses or other dividends and resorted to strikes,” the President pointed out. All patriotic people should support the Government programme designed to dawn peace to the country and develop it and they should bear in mind that they are called upon to shoulder great responsibilities, the President stressed.
“The terrorists are determined to weaken our Government and pressurise the international community against our country. They want to create mischief in the country and sabotage the humanitarian operations conducted by our Forces in the North. We should face the situation with patience. It is not that I cannot understand the difficulties suffered by the people. That is why the Government increased salaries thrice within 30 months.
Whatever the difficulties, our Government never privatised any of the government institutions. When the SLFP leaders pulled my leg it was the JVP and JHU who came to my assistance. Therefore, I believe, no individual decision be taken but we must take the country forward.
We took over the reins of Government to put an end to the war and promote the well-being of the masses. Whatever the difficulties ahead we are moving ahead. Once we finishes it anybody can take over the country. I do not want to make the leadership a mere monument to me.
I believe all will extend their support to us in the interest of the future of the innocent people,” the President said.
Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and Customs Director General Sarath Jayatilleke and a large number of trade union representatives participated.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
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