The minister was speaking at a meeting at the Badalkumbura Divisional Secretariat auditorium.

Noting that recent studies have shown that workers in government offices tend to absent on Friday afternoons and come late to work on Monday mornings, the minister said that the ultimate blame is laid on the government and this should be changed.

'One in 13 persons is a government employee. Therefore, the public expects a more efficient government service. We intend to take measures to ensure this,' he added.