Minister of Finance and Mass Media Hon. Mangala Samaraweera expressed that in lieu of providing employment on political loyalty, measures are being taken to strengthen the economy of the country by providing jobs to the qualified persons on skills. The Minister pointed out that the period of providing jobs based on race, religion or political party is over. The Minister made these comments by participating in the ceremony held at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Finance and Mass Media for granting appointment letters to 77 new customs officers of the Grade 11 of customs officer service.
Sri Lanka Customs is the key revenue source of the country. This country propels due to the three departments such as the Department of Customs, Excise Department and Department of Inland Revenue. The education of the children in the country from grade one to the university level and the free health facilities are provided free of charge by this income. Moreover today you are joining to a job for such economically important place.
We have regarded only the talent for granting these appointments. You have come to this place from the 7,400 candidates on a very competitive examination and the interview. If in another time, 99% out of 77 of these appointments will be granted to Matara. Today it is not happened. We have not given these appointments on our religion, race, area or political party concerned.
The Minister further said that you are doing this job; you will meet different persons with different characters .they too utter of legal and illegal ways of earning money. You have to suppress them.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Mass Media Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Director General of Customs P.S.M Charls, Appointees and their parents were also present at the event.