President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the pivotal role of agricultural advancement in bolstering the rural economy during a ceremony at the Temple Trees where 2,100 new Grama Niladhari officers were awarded appointment letters. He underscored the importance of dedicated government officials at the grassroots level, particularly in ensuring the success of initiatives like the agricultural modernisation programme. The President urged the new GN Officers to actively participate in government programs aimed at uplifting low-income individuals, highlighting their role in driving economic development within their communities.
Following the Grama Niladhari Service Examination, which took place on December 2, 2023, 2,100 candidates with the highest scores were granted Grama Niladhari positions. President Wickremesinghe symbolically distributed appointment letters to the new GN Officers, briefing them on government initiatives such as “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya”, aimed at economic upliftment. He emphasized the significance of their roles as integral members of the government service, serving as the cornerstone of the country’s basic administrative structure.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted the ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy, including collaboration with international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to overcome obstacles and progress towards development. He pointed out the recent successes in agricultural productivity as proof of the effectiveness of the development strategy, stressing the pivotal role of agriculture in driving economic strength and prosperity.
In his address, the President emphasized the importance of collaboration between Divisional Secretaries and GN Officers in key areas such as implementing programs to uplift low-income earners, enhancing income sources, and sustaining relief efforts. He outlined initiatives like providing rice to low-income families during the New Year season as examples of efforts to stimulate economic activity within villages and foster whole village development.