The National Economic Council appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena to take key decisions to strengthen the national economy of the country, was convened for the first time at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (12).Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Sarath Amunugama, Susil Premajayantha, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, Secretary to the Prime Minister Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers Sumith Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance R. H. S. Samaratunga, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of National Policy and Economic Activities Shantha Bandara, and the General Secretary to the National Economic Council Prof. Lalith Samarakoon joined this discussion.
The President pointed out that the main responsibility of this National Economic Council is to take decisions on the national economy of the country by giving priority to local agriculture and industrial sector. He said discussions will be held with the representatives of the state sector, private sector and entrepreneurs when required.
He said the objective of this National Economic Council is to expedite the work for strengthening the rural economy by ending poverty.
They discussed about economic policies, state financial affairs, management of state loans and activities related to finance.
Attention was paid on the development of infrastructure facilities in divisional level. The President pointed out that returning of the funds allocated for each ministry for development activities, to the treasury is an injustice occurred to the public welfare.
The President pointed out the need to implement the decisions taken at the district development meetings. He said the financial allocations should be used for relevant development activities.
He drew the attention of the officials about the influence of the improper issuance of loans by financial institutions to the rural people.
The National Economic Council will work on the strategic policies for development, agreements and projects. It also will provide instructions and guidance on this regard.
The Cabinet approval has been received to appoint Prof. Lalith Samarakoon as the General Secretary of the National Economic Council.
