President tells new Cabinet – ‘Ideal opportunity to introduce a system change’

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that he did not consider seniority when appointing the new Cabinet of Minister, on Monday (18).

“Ministerial positions are not mere benefits, it is a great responsibility,” he told the new Cabinet in Colombo, urging them NOT to use additional benefits as Ministers.

He said that he expects honest, efficient, and untainted governance from the new cabinet, while ridding the institutions vested with them of corruption, and convert them to be committed to serve the public.

“Most of the public institutions are in financial crisis and those need to be rectified,” said the President, adding that this is an ideal opportunity to introduce the system change that the people are calling for.

The President also appealed from the youth to support in this endeavor.

As he continued to comment;

“I have appointed new ministers who do not consider seniors. Ministerial posts are not a boon but a massive responsibility. I urge you not to use the privileges that ministers have. I expect you to provide honest clean service with dedication. Transform companies under you into companies that serve the public without corruption.”

”Today, state-owned enterprises are operating under a massive financial crisis. They need to be fixed. Today is a great opportunity to make the ‘system change’ that people are demanding because of this crisis and I invite these young people to cooperate with us. “