“If I maintained deals with mafias, complied with the demands of fraudsters, listened to the personal likes and dislikes of certain influential individuals, or granted transfers according to their wishes, many would praise me as a good Governor. However, if I set all that aside and do what is right, I will be criticized. You too are about to work in such a challenging environment. Regardless of what anyone says, you must always act in the best interests of the people and do what is right. We will always stand by those who act with integrity,” stated the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
He made these remarks while addressing newly appointed officers at a special ceremony held this morning – on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at the Chief Secretary’s Auditorium of the Northern Provincial Council. The event, organized by the Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary – Administration, was held to issue the appointment letters for combined service positions in the Northern Provincial Public Service, with the Governor attending as the Chief Guest.
In his address, he further stated:
“These appointments are not given merely to fill vacancies, but to serve the people. There are two types of officers in public service. One group looks for ways to dismiss and delay the public who come seeking services. The other group is committed to serving the public in any possible way. You must belong to this second category.
If Hon. Minister R. Chandrasekhar or Hon. Deputy Minister Upali Samarasinghe had wished, they could have submitted lists of their supporters and requested that jobs be given to them. But they did not do so. It is because this entire process was carried out independently, without any political interference, that all of you have been appointed today based on merit. You all know what happened in the past.
Approvals for these appointments were not easily obtained. Recruitment approval for drivers and minor staff was secured through the special efforts of Hon. Minister Bimal Rathnayake. In addition, Minister R. Chandrasekar and Deputy Minister Upali Samarasinghe made significant contributions in advancing this process continuously. We remember them with gratitude.
The government led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is being criticized by many precisely because it acts with integrity. Nevertheless, the government will always support those who act honestly. In the past, appointments were made on an island-wide basis. Now, they are being given within the Northern Province. Therefore, you must be prepared to serve anywhere within the Northern Province. Through your service, the people must feel a positive change.”
Speaking at the event, Hon. Minister R. Chandrasekar, who is also the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee, stated that previous governments gradually weakened the state machinery by failing to make appointments. However, since coming to power, the National People’s Power government has been strengthening the public service by appointing qualified individuals.
Hon. Deputy Minister Upali Samarasinghe, who is also the Chairman of the Vanni Electoral District Coordinating Committee, further stated: “At no stage did we interfere by asking that our preferred individuals be appointed. The entire process was carried out completely independently by officials.”
At the event, appointment letters were officially issued to fill vacancies in departments under the Northern Provincial Council as follows: 37 Technical Officers, 14 Management Service Officers, and 44 Office Staff Assistants.
The event was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, Secretaries of Northern Provincial Ministries, Deputy Chief Secretaries, and several senior officials, including S. Kapilan, Coordinator to the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee.
