President hands over appointments to 1,540 new Grama Niladhari Officers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the government’s economic and social development path focuses on creating economic opportunities and facilities within villages rather than drawing rural populations to cities.

Speaking at a ceremony at Temple Trees to present appointment letters to 1,540 officers qualifying for Grade III of the Grama Niladhari Service, the President emphasised the establishment of a well-developed road network connecting villages and cities, an effective communication system and an efficient public service. He noted that a country-wide communication system will be developed within the next three years in coordination with the Ministry of Digital Economy, alongside a pilot project in two districts next year funded by the upcoming budget.

The President highlighted that these recruitments were based strictly on examination results and merit at interviews following the promulgation of the new Grama Niladhari Service Minute. Under the revised service structure, allowances for Grama Niladhari officers have been increased, raising the office allowance from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000, the uniform allowance from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000, and stationery purchases from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000.

Furthermore, President Dissanayake addressed broader public service reforms, noting plans to merge or close 33 government institutions identified by the Ministry of Finance to reduce burdens on the public. Basic salaries for public servants are being increased in three stages, with an additional expenditure of Rs. 330 billion expected by 2027.

The event was attended by Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, and Ministry Secretary S. Aloka Bandara, alongside other officials. (Newswire)

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