High powered team for $ 4000 per capita goal

Govt. steps up private public partnerships and technology infusions with special Cabinet appointed committee to evaluate projects by ministries

By Uditha Jayasinghe

Cabinet on Wednesday gave approval for the appointment of a high powered committee to formulate strategic plans with assistance from the private sector to achieve the goal of doubling the per capita income to $ 4,000 by 2015.

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the Cabinet briefing yesterday that a high powered committee had been selected to specifically focus on the priority needs for rapid economic development in the next five years. They are tasked with evaluating the project proposals submitted by line ministries and formulate a coordinating structure that would include the private sector wherever possible.    

“We understand that this is a very challenging goal,” he admitted adding that the main focus of the committee was to concentrate on upgrading goods and services so that they are on par with international standards.

 “In order to do this we must have proper technologies and processes in place. This is no easy task and therefore to rationalise and prioritise the course of action needed to double per capita income the Cabinet decided to approve the drawing up of a National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for 2011-2015.”

On the recommendation of Technology and Research Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana the Cabinet approved  a committee consisting of the Presidential Secretary, Prime Minister’s Secretary, Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers, Finance and Planning Ministry Secretary, and Technology & Research Ministry Secretary to work on the National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy.

Already eight State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have been earmarked to be developed under private public partnerships and others are in the pipeline.