In a landmark move, the Sri Lankan government is set to establish a formal mechanism for monitoring and advising ministries on policy implementation, marking the first time in the country’s history such a body will be created. According to sources, this new body will consist of MPs and experts who were involved in drafting and implementing the National People’s Power (NPP) policies before the presidential election.
The creation of this oversight body was outlined in the NPP’s policy manifesto and aims to ensure that ministries are effectively carrying out their responsibilities. Each ministry will be subject to regular supervision and advice from this new body, which will also offer guidance to cabinet ministers in executing their duties.
The government has already appointed a cabinet with 22 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, and the first cabinet meeting has been held.
While former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s administration had appointed oversight councilors to monitor cabinet ministers’ activities, this was not a formalized system. The establishment of a dedicated body to monitor ministerial performance reflects the current government’s commitment to greater accountability and transparency in governance.
