The Government is considering closing down or suspending the operations of certain project offices and project management units of large-scale development projects.
Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the media today, that a proposal in this regard was presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe taking into account Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.
Minister Gunawardena said that these offices are operating with specialists and consultants recruited for high salaries, adding that the country is in a situation where so many project offices cannot be operated due to the severe economic crisis.
A committee headed by former ministry secretary H. G. Kamal Padmasiri was appointed to examine the necessity of such offices, and it recommended closing down 55 offices and suspending the operations of 32 offices while operating 46 offices under a specified organization.
However, during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, many ministers pointed out that efforts are being taken to run these offices effectively and efficiently, therefore they should be allowed to operate, Minister Gunawardena explained.
The Cabinet Spokesman said, however, the President ordered the Ministers to hold discussions with the Finance Ministry to identify which offices can be closed down and which can be operated without being suspended.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena further said that the ministers had acknowledged that the President’s proposal was a necessary measure at this juncture. (NewsWire)
