GOVERNMENT ENDS POLITICAL FAVORITISM IN STATE APPOINTMENTS

The government has put an end to the culture of political favoritism therefore everyone being subject to people’s will and no one is above it, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.

Speaking at a ceremony held to give permanent appointments for casual workers of the Road Development Authority (RDA), the Minister said that the appointments are now being made fairly, without regard to political party, color, province, or ethnicity, in line with the mandate given on September 21.

He noted that previous governments had recruited employees to state institutions based on politics, which led to significant waste of public funds. He stated that the people's decision on September 21, 2024, has put an end to that corrupt era and ushered in a government focused on equality and accountability.

Permanent appointment letters were given to 704 employees from all nine provinces, including the North and East. These workers, who were taken into the Authority after 2017, will now provide services across every district.

 Highlighting past irregularities, Minister Rathnayake stated that RDA recruitments and confirmations had been politicized and that funds had been embezzled in the name of development. He accused former rulers of using various groups as henchmen to achieve their own political goals.

 He emphasized that the people's mandate on September 21 was to eliminate that corrupt culture and establish a government that is accountable to the people. He added that the government is committed to protecting employment rights and ensuring job security.

 The Minister urged the public to work for the collective good, stating, “Let us create a culture where we think of the country first and serve others. This country belongs to you. The government will protect you, but you too must serve the nation and its people.