State institution heads to be decided by qualified panel - President

Colombo (News 1st): Following the appointment of the Cabinet Ministers, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing those gathered noted that by Monday they will be able to inform the remaining state ministerial positions. He requested the ministers to support state ministers to engage in their activities.

"I'd like to specially request from all ministers and state ministers who are due to be appointed, to work based on the policies we presented via our manifesto. We know that many state enterprises and corporations that are operated under ministers are incurring massive losses. We have to continue these organizations in a manner where they will not be a burden to the treasury. This is possible. The board consisting of qualified and professional persons should be appointed as directors or chairmen to these state organizations. So in our manifesto, we have mentioned that a selection committee will be appointed to do this. I request ministers to direct their recommendations and suggestions to the board to do the needful. This is important because we have to make these institutions efficient and profit earning. The vacancies that do not require a skill should be filled by poor families. So without directly getting involved in the process, the minister should give equal opportunities to MPs representing their respective regions."