Before, decades ago more efficient and strong public service was prevailed in the country and later due to the interferences of politicians the public service had deteriorated, the President further said.

He made these remarks addressing the National Awards ceremony held at the premises of the Parliament, yesterday (13th Nov.). The Awards were presented according to the results of the review program held regarding the Committee on Public Accounts of the Parliament.

This National Awards were presented to 81 institutions under various groups, which showed highest performance, subsequent to reviewing information gathered using the computerized information related to the financial year 2015.

Under the present government all have received the opportunity of working independently and impartially, the President said and pointed out that the awards ceremony is further evident of that fact. He also commended all those who organized the awards ceremony.

President Sirisena pointed out that after the present government came into the power, there is a fear in the country to indulge in fraud and corruption.

The President said that it is necessary to build a strong public service while eliminating the weakness of the public service and said that this kind of awards ceremonies will help to strengthen the service.

The President presented Gold Awards for the institutions which showed high performances and strictly followed the financial regulations for the year 2015.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe, Secretary-General of Parliament, Dhammika Dasanayake, Ministers and MPs participated on this occasion.