Cabinet appoints 2 sub-committees to fast-track decisions

• Separately approves new Sub-Committee on Cost of Living and establishment of Food Security Committee

The Cabinet will set up two sub-committees to make suitable recommendations on specific areas or issues aimed at fast-tracking decision making within the Government.

The proposal to this effect submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stability, and National Policies Minister was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday. 

The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Public Expenditure Management will be chaired by President Wickremesinghe to submit policy recommendations to the Cabinet on the proposals related to public expenditure such as the initiation of new projects and procurement activities, whilst the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Institutional Affairs will be chaired by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to study matters related to institutional affairs such as appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary actions in the public service and submit policy study matters related to public service appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions and make policy recommendations to the Cabinet.

“The President will soon nominate members for these two Cabinet Sub-Committees. The members of each sub-committee will then meet once every two weeks, to fast-track decision-making,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

It has been recognised that it is appropriate to establish Cabinet sub-committees enabling a time frame for policy decisions to be made during Cabinet meetings and to make recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers on relevant subjects which needs to be studied and decided upon in depth of legal and other matters.

Separately the Cabinet also approved the establishment of the Sub Committee on Cost of Living and establishment of the Food Security Committee based on a proposal by President Wickremesinghe.

One is tasked to provide recommendations on policy and practical solutions necessary to maintain the cost of living stable by ensuring that food and other essential materials are supplied to the market without shortage. The Food Security Committee to assist the work of the sub-committee on trade and commerce.