People friendly public service commended

A. Keerthisinghe Alawwa Special Corr.

Public servants who perform a people friendly and honest service to the public will be highly respected when enjoying a life of retirement, said North Western Agriculture, Senior Irrigation, Agrarian Development and Animal Production and Development Minister Shantha Bandara.

He was addressing the 17th annual session of the Kurunegala District Pensioners Association.

President of the Pensioners’ Association T.B. Monnekulama presided.

Shantha Bandara said that pensioners are the senior citizens of the country who toiled hard during their hey day.

In recognition of the excellent services rendered by them, they are being paid a monthly emolument called a pension.

He said pensioners should not be treated as discards of the State.

Therefore, pensioners should continue to serve in advisory bodies constituted both in the State and private sectors.

President of the Kurunegala District Pensioners Association T.B. Monnekulama said the Kurunegala District Pensioners Association has set a very good example by performing various religious and social activities within the district worthly of being emulated by other societies of this nature functioning in various parts of the country.