New economic management programme to be introduced as cost of living soars

COLOMBO (News1st) - The President stated that the United National Party managed the economy of the country over the past three years. And given the soaring cost of living, the President has decided to take over the management of the country's economy. Therefore, following the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday February 20, the National Economic Council chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena convened. . Lalith Samarakoon serves as the Secretary of the National Economic Council. Prof. Samarakoon holds professional credentials as a chartered accountant and a certified financial analyst. The Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the Cabinet, Governor of the Central Bank, Secretary of the Finance Ministry and the Secretary for the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs are the other members of the Council. The President's Media Division stated that the new economic programme of the government will be finalised by the National Economic Council by next week. Immediate changes and decisions required for the country's economic management, as well as short-term, mid-term and long-term programmes that require implementation were extensively discussed at the meeting. The National Economic Council was appointed by President Sirisena last year (2017) to take policy decisions for economic development. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VToaWiU6-g