The Prime Minister mentioned this on 15.07.2024 at the ceremony held at the Temple Trees on the occasion of awarding permanent appointments to 1720 non-permanent, casual, substitute, contract, temporary, and relief employees in local government institutions of the Western Province.
The Prime Minister further commented that..
"Today is the day you, who were working in local government institutions, will get permanent appointments. I would like to thank the State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura, who has given great strength to the government, the Provincial Council and our ministry to make this day become a reality. He brought forward the voices of MPs, you and the State Ministry at a time when our country was facing a continuous financial crisis.
Last year was a very difficult year for us. President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the huge responsibility of overcoming the situation that we were facing. In the midst of all those challenges, the President intervened to provide special support for the non-permanent, temporary and contract employees of the local government institutions. The day our group of MPs first spoke for you, the day our trade unions spoke for you and when we met with the President, he did not say that you could not be confirmed due to financial difficulties. He advised not to dismiss any temporary or contract employee. He said let’s continue to extend your service period until the strength is gained to boost the economy and solve the problems. The President gave us that confidence. He had faith in the public and the belief that the country could be rescued from a difficult situation. Last year, our Cabinet of Ministers and the President discussed and faced many challenges and simply went through those issues.
No matter what job you did, you got a permanent appointment today. Talk about this day as an unforgettable day with great pride. You are entering a new chapter in your life. We ask you to fulfill your duty accordingly. You have done the public service that is done through the local government regardless of the time and the situations you had to face. Keep up with serving the public in the same manner.
Local government is the most important aspect in the public service of a country. With your support, the local government services are delivered through the chairman or councilor to the remote villages where no vehicle or a boutique can be seen. You will be able to move your institution forward while protecting it as a victory not only for your life but also for the institution that you work for. "
Governor of the Western Province Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilake-
"The Prime Minister listens to the problems of the public and takes the side of the employee. He has such a history, he was there for you this time as well. State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura has also supported when the Prime Minister was submitting the cabinet paper. All of you who are getting permanent appointments today have worked even on holidays. Even on Labour Day you worked. You are an essential aspect that connects with the public. After receiving today’s appointment, your efficiency should increase even more."
State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura-
"After knowing that there are eight thousand employees who have not been confirmed for many years, Cabinet papers had to be submitted nine times and approval had to be taken twice. Even though the appointment was confirmed, the Prime Minister had to get Cabinet approval for the second time because you were not entitled for the pension. The Prime Minister shouldered the greatest responsibility of confirming your appointment. The Prime Minister said that these children should be confirmed without any hesitation and given the opportunity to live happily with their families. Also, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that this work will be done soon after solving the problems at the Ministry of Finance. You were paid according to the number of days that you worked.
You have been a permanent employee since the 11th of last month. You are entitled to government benefits. Now your spouse and children will have the benefits after you. Our Department of Pensions will have to open eight thousand more files for you."
Ministers Vidura Wickramanayake, Naleen Fernando, State Ministers Janaka Wakkumbura, Prasanna Ranaweera, Piyal Nishantha, MPs Sarath Weerasekera, Madura Vithanage, Yadamini Gunawardena, Sahan Pradeep, Milan Jayathilake, Upul Mahendra, A. H. M. Fauzi, Sanjeewa Edirimanna, Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne, Western Provincial Chief Secretary S. L. Dhammika K. Wijesinghe, District Secretaries and Secretaries of Local Government Institutions, government officials and appointees participated in this event.
Prime Minister’s Media