“There will be no politics in the ministry. Our focus will be on uniting both the private and public sectors to move the country forward.”
The Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, the Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, officially assumed his duties at the Ministry yesterday. In his first address as Minister, he emphasised his commitment to working for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and outlined a vision for collaboration between the private and public sectors.
“From this moment on, we must work for everyone who voted for us and for everyone who didn’t,” Minister Rathnayake declared. “There will be no politics in the Ministry. Our focus will be on uniting both the private and public sectors to move the country forward.”
Minister Rathnayake also acknowledged the importance of creating an environment where public officials can perform their duties effectively. “Now, it will be easier for officials to work. We will provide opportunities for collaboration. Those who are unable to contribute can step aside, as public servants have the right to determine their future,” he said. “We bear a great responsibility to the people, and they expect us to deliver.”
Addressing the issue of alleged corruption in the Ministry, he made it clear that he would take swift action. “I will definitely investigate the large-scale corruption that occurred in the Ministries in the past,” he affirmed. “The law will be followed, and those responsible will face the consequences.”
In an analogy, the Minister likened the Ministry’s efforts to a well, emphasising the importance of its proper functioning for broader success. “Simply put, even a well needs at least a little bucket to function. If our Ministry doesn’t perform properly, the efforts of all other Ministries will be meaningless,” he explained. “We must prevent corruption, and we will address past incidents according to the law.”
The Minister also announced plans to appoint two young, educated, and talented deputy ministers to assist in the work of the Ministry. “We have no personal goals here,” he said, underscoring the need for a focused and committed team to carry out the Ministry’s duties.
Rathnayake made a pointed reference to past government decisions, including the construction of a port in a district chosen by the former president. “The former president came from a coastal district, so a port was built there. If he had suddenly come from Kandy, the situation would have been different, and we might have seen a port built there too,” he remarked, hinting at the importance of pragmatic decision-making in national development.
