President Ranil Wickremesinghe Calls for Collective Effort to Achieve Economic Prosperity and Address Youth Concerns

During a recent meeting with Ministry Secretaries and Provincial Chief Secretaries, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed confidence in the government’s policy program, stating that its proper implementation would lead to economic prosperity surpassing the goals set by the International Monetary Fund. The President emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the concerns raised by the youth regarding the country’s economy and their future.

President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of restructuring state-owned companies to ensure a prosperous economy and urged ministry secretaries to support the government’s policy program rather than protect companies under their jurisdictions. He also highlighted forthcoming regulations on capital expenditure and projects of Provincial Councils, with decisions on power distribution at the local level expected in the coming months.

The meeting covered various important topics, including the progress of budget proposals, the performance of ministry secretaries, and discussions on public enterprise reconciliation, public service management, and the economy. Detailed deliberations were held on law amendments related to policy changes in the interim budget and the 2023 budget presented in Parliament, as well as bills associated with obligations to international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.

The President called for each ministry to determine how to implement the government’s policies and expressed the intention to review the progress made in a month’s time. He also proposed introducing new regulations concerning capital expenditure and projects of Provincial Councils and expediting decisions on devolving power at the grassroots level. The President highlighted the importance of effective coordination between the National Ministry and the Provincial Councils in sectors such as education and agriculture.

President Wickremesinghe recommended maintaining the current number of ministries to avoid further expansion and mentioned successful amalgamations in areas such as local government and state administration. He proposed consolidating international trade and foreign affairs and initiating the restructuring process promptly.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, Presidential Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, and Cabinet Secretary Mr. W.M.D.J. Fernando.