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| Friday, 5 March 2004 |
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Politics | |
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| Rid country of corrupt politicians, says President by Anura Maitipe President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga yesterday said it was the crying need of the hour to rid the country of corrupt politicians. "Since 1977, politics has become a money spinning business and honest and educated people who can serve the country immensely are not willing to enter politics", she said addressing teachers and Government officials at President's House. It was tragic that the country's highest governing institution had converted itself into a marketplace to earn commission for some of its members. If the country is to move onwards in the 21st century as a developed Nation, the attitude of both public servants and politicians should be changed, the President said. In the event of forming a new Government, the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will take firm action to prevent bribery and corruption which has become an incurable epidemic in Sri Lankan politics. It has grown to such an extent that politicians have become a mere commodity, up for sale in forming governments, kicking the franchise of the voters who elected them, she said. The President said: "We are expecting an honest service from public servants. We will introduce a new formula to encourage workers. "In this process, incentives and promotions will be granted to officials for their efficiency ignoring the number of years in service." "During the period of the PA government, we gave a 100 per cent salary increase to teachers and 70 per cent to other Government officials. On the other hand we managed to maintain the cost of living at low levels", the President said. However, under the UNP regime during the last two years the cost of living has gone up by 300 per cent. Veteran economist of the UNP regime promised to offer a five figure salary, but finally granted an increment of only Rs. 1,000, the President added. |
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