Country needs an economic democracy where benefits are proportionate to hard work – Minister K. D. Lal Kantha states at the bonus awarding ceremony of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board
Making the government’s policy framework “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” a reality, a bonus awarding and performance evaluation ceremony aimed at enhancing employee welfare and motivation of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board was held yesterday (04th) at the Ministry of Agriculture auditorium under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K. D. Lal Kantha.
Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized that the existing economic injustices must be changed and an economic democracy should be established in the country where every individual receives due rewards for their dedication and hard work.
Speaking further at the event, Minister K. D. Lal Kantha expressed following views.
“After our government came to power, we introduced the new concept of ‘economic democracy’ to society. The last budget was also prepared based on this principle. Economic democracy means that the benefits of the economy are distributed fairly among the entire society. When people receive rewards proportionate to the hard work they put in, economic injustices will be eliminated.”
Pointing out that the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board is an institution that does not pose a burden to the General Treasury, the Minister stated that this bonus received by the employees is one they earned themselves. He mentioned that he does not agree with providing bonuses equally to everyone, asserting instead that the institution’s earnings should be increased and bonuses distributed by properly evaluating each individual’s performance and contribution.
Furthermore, highlighting the importance of efficiency during working hours, the Minister stated that a country cannot be developed simply by sitting in a chair for eight hours and that the nation requires a system where salaries are paid based on the workload and output delivered by employees.
Expressing his views on the path forward for the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, the Minister mentioned that the President has given instructions to transform this institution into a true insurance provider. He further noted that officials bear a huge responsibility to make this a strong institution that provides genuine insurance coverage to everyone engaged in the agricultural sector of the country, rather than merely acting as a distribution center for government disaster relief compensation.
Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. D. P. Wickremasinghe, Chairman of the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, Mr. Pemasiri Jasinghaarachchi and many other institutional officials participated in this event.
