A committee appointed by the Cabinet to review state-owned non-commercial institutions has recommended various restructuring measures, including the closure, merger, and privatization of certain entities.
The committee has suggested the liquidation of 12 non-commercial state institutions under six ministries, including the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority and the Cashew Corporation. Additionally, the Galle Heritage Foundation, National Ocean Affairs Committee Secretariat, and the Information and Communication Technology Agency are also slated for closure.
The report recommends merging the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Rupavahini Corporation, and Independent Television Network under a single management to enhance efficiency and commercial viability. Significant investment is required to keep these institutions operational.
Other proposed mergers include the Sri Lanka Tea Board with the Small Tea Estates Development Authority, as well as the Coconut Cultivation Board, Coconut Development Authority, and Palm Oil Palm Development Board.
The committee, chaired by Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, was established in December last year to review 160 institutions under 24 ministries. Its findings were presented to the Cabinet by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya last Monday, with approval granted for implementation.
The report suggests that some institutions could benefit from public-private partnerships, citing the Sri Lanka Film Corporation as an example that could be made efficient through private collaboration to reduce dependency on the treasury.
Further recommendations include merging the Office of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, National Authority for Tobacco and Alcohol, and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.
The Sir John Kotelawala Hospital was identified as financially unviable and a burden on the treasury. A separate committee is advised to be appointed to explore options for making it profitable.
The Sri Lanka Press Council is suggested to continue operating under a new name, the Sri Lanka Media Council, to enhance its scope and effectiveness.
Additionally, the committee noted that a large amount of land belonging to various government institutions remains idle and recommended steps to manage these assets for public benefit.
