– President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Ministry of Finance has finalized decisions to close 34 state institutions as part of the government’s efforts to reduce public expenditure and ease the financial burden on the state.The President made these remarks while addressing the annual general meeting of the Government Surveyors’ Association in Battaramulla.

Highlighting the importance of the public service, President Dissanayake said the cost of providing public services had become exceptionally high, requiring a review of the structure and operations of state institutions.He said the government had decided to shut down certain institutions and merge several others to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditure.According to the President, a special committee has been appointed to oversee and implement the planned closures and restructuring.Explaining the need for the changes, he noted that circumstances had changed considerably since many of these institutions were established. In several sectors where the government once operated as the sole provider, a strong private sector has since emerged.

The President said that the government must assess whether certain services should continue to be provided directly by the state or whether engaging private-sector operators would be more cost-effective.He also emphasized the need to streamline public-sector recruitment and improve government administrative efficiency.President Dissanayake said the broader objective was to transform the public service into a professional and attractive sector capable of addressing existing systemic challenges while ensuring the effective use of public funds.