He said that he identified the previous presidential election as the tragedy of the state service, during which the honour of the prestigious profession fell to the lowest ebb.

The President speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Administrative Services Association at Waters Edge Hotel yesterday said that he is committed to secure the honour and dignity of the public service through an independent public service.

The people's requirements should be given priority said the President and pointed out that a public servant is capable of providing relief to the people who seek their help.