The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, in response to the second supplementary, I saw extensive discussions by the Opposition and media suggesting that the economic centres would be sold to the private sector. We certainly know the purpose for which these centres were established, and, consistent with that purpose, structured governance mechanisms have been established for some centres. A management committee under the District Secretary and Divisional Secretary has been appointed and they currently oversee these centres.

¶ 02 Considering the public funds invested, rentals of stalls have been levied; however, the revenue thus collected does not revert to the Treasury or Ministry. After the present Government assumed office, the Ministry decided to unify all centres under a streamlined governance process. We will appoint a manager to each centre and have them overseen by a central board of directors of the Central Government. This is by no means privatization. All centres will continue to function under a principal government control unit, remaining state property.