Agriculture, Wildlife, and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said giving responsibilities to newly appointed State Ministers would make a significant contribution towards the accelerated program launched by the Government to rebuild the country.
He said the prime task of State Ministers is to make the maximum contribution to the functions of their line ministries.
Minister Amaraweera said that at present there are nearly 20 Cabinet Ministers.
All other ministries, departments and institutions which are not covered by these Ministers come under President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The Ministries of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies, Technology, Women and Child Affairs, Social Empowerment, Investment Promotion and Disaster Management are also under the purview of the President. As the President has been vested with a large number of responsibilities of the ministries, there is a slight delay in the services provided to the people.
Minister Amaraweera said, “At present, various views are being expressed by various sectors on the appointment of State Ministers. Some say it is not appropriate to appoint State Ministers when the country is facing a crisis situation.
However, the President has clearly said that even if State Ministers are appointed, they will not be provided any perks and privileges. The Ministers and State Ministers of the incumbent Government draw only their MPs salaries.”
He said, “A stable Government is needed to get international support. Therefore, a strong Cabinet is needed to continue a stable Government. Each Ministry has planned much work. Therefore, a Cabinet Minister alone cannot fulfill that task. Therefore, I don’t think there is anything wrong in appointing State Ministers.
Amaraweera said, “Since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, I haven’t drawn my salary. I donated that money to the Covid-19 Fund. Even today, I only draw my MP’s salary.
Everybody should act with dedication and work hard to rescue the country from the crisis. The newly appointed State Ministers will also have to work with dedication. Therefore, I don’t feel there is anything wrong in appointing State Ministers since they will not enjoy special privileges and there is no room to misuse public funds,” he added.