Colombo, November 05 (Daily Mirror)- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that rural development and upgrading the rural people's social and economic well-being is one of the primary objectives of the government during this term.

The President expressed these views during a discussion held today at the Presidential Secretariat with members of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SLAS), the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The President highlighted the necessity of public officials cooperating with the government to successfully implement government initiatives, noting that the experiences of government officials is valued and instrumental in implementing government policies.

The President pointed out that there is a gap between the government's objectives and the traditional operational modalities of the public service. To ensure the effectiveness of government programmes aimed at national development, he stated that the functioning of public administration also has to change.

President Dissanayake highlighted that combating fraud and corruption is a top priority for the government, stating that failures to implement projects with attention have caused significant damage to the country's economy.

He also emphasised that the political leadership will not interfere in the public service, thus protecting their capacity to operate independently.

President Dissanayake mentioned that government officials have a unique responsibility to play in regional development and stressed the need to minimise unnecessary expenses in the public service without cutting services.

The event was attended by members of the Sri Lanka Administrative Services Association, including President Mahesh Gammanpila and Secretary Jayaveera Fernando.