COLOMBO, Sept. 30, 2024 — The Malima government has announced its commitment to restructuring public enterprises in a manner that prioritizes the public interest. According to Mr. Anil Jayantha, head of the party’s Economic Council, this initiative will be a departure from the approach taken by previous governments, which were criticized for restructuring these enterprises for private gain.
In an official statement, Mr. Jayantha emphasized that the NPP government will continue the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid program but intends to fulfill its commitments in a way that is more aligned with public welfare. While previous administrations pushed for privatization in several sectors, the new government will reconsider the necessity of privatizing state assets, such as hotels.
Professor Jayantha also highlighted that the government plans to accelerate reforms that the previous administration delayed, especially those related to governance and tax administration. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of swiftly finalizing the debt restructuring agreement to maintain the country’s economic stability.
This restructuring effort reflects the government’s pledge to balance fiscal responsibility with social justice, ensuring that public assets serve national and communal interests rather than private ones. More details on these policies will be made available as the government’s plans unfold.