The officers of the Ministry of Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Government commenced work yesterday (01st of January) by taking the Oath of Public Servants of the new year. This ceremony was held under the auspices of the Hon. Minister, Mr. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon and Secretary of the Ministry Mr. J.J. Rathnasiri. Conducting religious observances was followed by reading aloud the Oath of the new year. The highlight of the ceremony of this year was the addition of a special lecture delivered by a resource person from the health sector on the responsibility of each individual and the society as a whole in the face of Coronavirus pandemic. Addressing the gathering, Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. J.J. Rathnasiri said that the country needs more services from the public servants than ever before as it enters another year after a challenging year. The Secretary also said that in the current situation, methodology of working from home will have to be reviewed and public officers should take action to expedite the development programmes expected by the government.