By: Isuru Parakrama
October 08, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet has resolved to terminate the services of officers and consultants appointed on a contract basis under three major projects initiated by the former government.
The decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman Vijitha Herath, with the termination being effective from September 30, 2024.
These officers and consultants were originally appointed to support the establishment and execution of several key initiatives, including the ‘Office for the Affairs of Sri Lankans Abroad,’ the ‘National Peoples Council,’ and the ‘Agriculture Modernisation Programme.’
These projects were part of the previous regime’s developmental agenda, which required external expertise for implementation.
However, with the new government now in place, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has evaluated the current capabilities of the relevant ministries overseeing these initiatives.
The conclusion reached was that these ministries are sufficiently equipped to manage the ongoing functions and operations internally, without the need for external contract-based consultants or officers.
Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised that this step is part of the government’s broader efforts to streamline administrative processes, reduce reliance on contractual appointments, and enhance efficiency within state institutions.
By integrating the management of these programmes into the permanent functions of the relevant ministries, the government aims to foster greater accountability and resource optimisation, he stressed.
Additionally, the creation of the ‘Office for the Affairs of Sri Lankans Abroad,’ under the President’s Office, signals the administration’s intent to centralise efforts supporting the Sri Lankan diaspora.
Meanwhile, the ‘National Peoples Council’ and the ‘Agriculture Modernisation Programme’ will continue to progress under the direct oversight of the appropriate government ministries.
