Message from the President

Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) being the premier service in Sri Lanka has a long history of more than five decades. It is apparent that people always sought the support of the SLAS when they want the services from the government.

Generally, an SLAS officer starts his/her career at the grass root level of the country and with his/her experience, knowledge and age, he/she has the opportunity to reach the top most positions of the public service. If he/she does not update his/her knowledge with the time, he/she will not be able to perform his/her duties of higher positions well. In such a situation, promotion holders become officials who act upon just figure head roles. This cannot be accepted at all. Officers must develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices with the time in order to become suitable and qualified persons to bear higher positions of Public Service.

Officials of the Public Service, especially SIAS officers have to think of following concepts to render a better service to our motherland and its people our master.

1. Problem Solving Process
   Managers have to make decisions to solve problems. This Is a very important function of the officers of SLAS.
2. Organizational Objectives
   Government institutions have visions, missions and objectives. Managers have to work with their staff members to achieve these objectives.
3. Efficiency
   Managers have to utilize available resources fully and without waste.
4. Scare Resources
   All resources are finite and limited. Public servants/officers are expected to use these scare resources in the most suitable manner.
5. Change
   SLAS officers, as managers, must be prepared to accept the change. They have to be flexible. They have to learn new things in order to face the change. Really they are living in a changing environment and so they have to always face this change in performing their duties. They are not in a position to neglect the changes in the social standards, styles, laws, technology, etc. Managers must be prepared to predict accurately these changes and formulate ways to meet the new challenges effectively.

Essential skills for Public Servants as managers

1. Technical Skills
   Technical skills basically involve the knowledge, methods and techniques and the ability to use these techniques in performing a job effectively.
2. Human Skills
   Human skills are the ability to work with other people amicably. It involves patience, trust and genuine involvement In interpersonal relationships. This skill is necessary at all levels of management top management, middle management and first level supervisory management.
3. Analytical Skills
   A successful manager must posses the analytical skill, involving the ability to logically, objectively and scientifically analyze the problems and opportunities and use scientific approaches to arrive at feasible and optional solutions.