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State enterprises appointments: UNF seeks review of committee process
View(s):The United National Front has insisted that in appointing persons to top slots in state-run institutions, professional experience and sound knowledge on the subject should be taken into consideration in addition to educational qualifications.
Stressing that Cabinet ministers were also empowered to make such appointments, Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardana said if there were any disputes, they should be resolved through discussion among ministers and the appointments made without much delay.
“Some institutes such as scientific bodies need professionals. Some organisations need people who understand the problems and of the people. Therefore, we need people with professional experience and practical knowledge,” he said.
On Friday, the review committee appointed by the President held its first meeting where discussions focused on reviewing some of the appointments that have already been made and procedural matters. The committee also acknowledged that both the President and the ministers were entitled to appoint chairpersons and directors of state enterprises.
Public Administration Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara told the Sunday Times there was a need to refine the process, as the ministers too were entitled to make these appointments. “We will make recommendations. The qualification and age should not only be the criteria as some of them have adequate experience,” he said.
In terms of the presidential circular, subject ministers are required to send the names of their nominees to the committee for a scrutiny of their educational and professional qualifications. Headed by Presidential Secretary Udaya Seneviratne, the Review Committee includes former Presidential Secretary W.J.S. Karunaratne, the Prime Minister’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Attorney-at-Law Misbah Sathas and Deputy Treasury Secretary A.R. Desapriya.
Presidential Secretariat Additional Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said the vetting process was similar to the Parliamentary High Posts Committee process. Before the committee met formally on Friday, President Maithripala Sirisena made three appointments to state enterprises which come under his direct purview.
Former Northern Province Governor Reginald Cooray and former Sabaragamuwa Governor Niluka Ekanayake were appointed as chairpersons of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the State Timber Corporation respectively while Colombo’s former mayor, A.J.M. Muzammil was appointed as chairman of the Central Environment Authority.