Prez tells new ministers to bring about system change people expect

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday requested the newly appointed ministers to bring about the system change that people were asking for and work towards an honest, efficient and clean administration.

Addressing the new Cabinet of 17 Ministers, the President said he had overlooked seniority when he appointed the new ministers.

“Ministerial positions aren’t a privilege. It is a huge responsibility.  What I expect of you is an honest, efficient and clean administration,” he said.

The President said that most state institutions were facing serious economic issues and urged the ministers to ensure the institutions coming under their ministries were run without corruption.

“This is a good opportunity today to bring about a system change. You have got the opportunity as youngsters to assist in this regard,” he said.

The President requested the ministers to help curb corruption as state institutions were faced with severe financial crises.

“Ensure that the state institutions under your purview are free of corruption and prioritize public service,” he said.

President Rajapaksa added that it was essential to rectify the state institutions that had fallen into a financial crisis.

The ministers were also requested to take this as an opportunity to make the ‘system change’ that has been demanded by the public through their protests.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also appealed to the youth, calling on them to help the Government in that endeavor.

The President’s full address was telecast yesterday evening on all television channels.