Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Saturday, 9 January 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said yesterday that his Ministry was able to hold a simple ceremony without spending any money to mark the first anniversary of the assumption of office of President Maithripala Sirisena.
He pointed out that this was in total contrast to previous ceremonies held to mark similar events where public funds were spent lavishly.
The Minister made this observation at a tree-planting ceremony held at the premises of the Ministry of Finance to mark the completion of one year in office of President Sirisena. Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
He noted that the ceremony was conducted without spending any money in line with the example set by the President and Prime Minister to create a country devoid of waste and corruption.
Speaking further, Minister Karunanayake said: “Today we planted a tree at the premises of the Finance Ministry. Though the aspirations of all the people may have not been fulfilled to the same level we can achieve our goals by working in unison. Today the country is ruled by a regime that truly seeks genuine development.
The country cannot be developed by slogans and protest campaigns. Whatever the challenges that lie ahead, the country can be developed through a collective effort of all.
“For the year 2016, we have presented a visionary budget which is development-oriented. Various economic upheavals take place in the world. But through our good governance principles, we have been able to overcome their adverse effects.
Let’s create a new Sri Lanka. Let’s take this country towards victory. Our aim is to wipe out corruption and inefficiency and let the people enjoy the dividends of development. Let’s work together, let’s build this country together.”
