• Institution to be established as per provisions in 21A

The committee of senior officials has decided to incorporate an independent body to formulate national policies, President’s media said yesterday.

The decision was made at a meeting of senior officials which was chaired by President’s secretary Saman Ekanayake. Secretary to Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, and Chairman Finance Commission Sumith Abeysinghe also participated in the meeting.

The new institution is to be established as per the provisions provided for it in the 21st Amendment.
One of the major functions of the proposed institution is to identify midterm and long-term national policies and monitoring of implementing those policies. The national policy would focus on a vision for Sri Lanka which is to be accomplished in 25 years as per the vision of President Wickremesinghe.

The initial draft for the legislation under which the institution would be set up will be prepared by December 27, 2022 and will be submitted to the members of the senior officials committee. The amended draft is to be sent to Attorney General’s Department on or before January 15, 2023.