The entire government should act as one mechanism, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Monday (02).
The President said the government must work to introduce new methodologies to resolve problems.
He further said that the government must also work towards normalizing the country by end of 2023.
“It is the responsibility of everyone here to work together and resolve the issues together. I hope to obtain the assistance of all to develop the country,” he added.
The President made these remarks while addressing the staff of the President’s Office at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today.
The staff of the President’s Office today officially commenced duties for the New Year 2023. (NewsWire)
President’s speech
“I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.
Five and a half months ago, we took over a historic task at this office. During those five and a half months, we took steps to establish normalcy in the country at a time when the government had collapsed and the economy had also collapsed. However, not all our economic problems are over yet. Nevertheless, today we have the ability to provide fuel, gas, foodstuff and fertilizer as required.
I must first extend my gratitude to all those who assisted us during these five and a half months. However, our task is not over yet. The most crucial year is 2023. We have to move forward by implementing the debt-restructuring program and freeing our country from the debt burden.
Moreover, we have to build an economy that can compete with the new world. The opinion of the majority is that there is a need for a change in the political system of this country. We have to fulfil both these things.
We also need to come up with a new method that can solve the problems of today’s political system. We need greater unity among us than last year.
We look at this government as a sort of mechanism. This is not divided into several programs by ministries. All work as sub-parts of the same mechanism. Therefore, there can be no competition or tug of war between anyone and no one can put a limit to their responsibilities.
All of you should be bound to implement the basic policies of the country. The core of the program is the President’s Office, as well as the Cabinet Office and the Prime Minister’s Office. It is from these institutions that these activities will be carried out.
Each person’s duties cannot be limited to 08 hours a day and 05 days a week. Let’s all work with commitment. By the end of 2023, I hope to take this country forward with the support of all of you and restore normalcy.”
