State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive policy framework to facilitate the transition of entrepreneurship activities from public to private entities while ensuring effective regulation and tax collection by the government.
Addressing concerns raised by MP Lakshman Kiriella in Parliament, Siyambalapitiya highlighted the Government’s objective of transferring entrepreneurship activities to the private sector within a structured policy framework. He stressed the importance of maintaining government oversight during this transition process to uphold accountability and transparency.
Furthermore, Siyambalapitiya underscored the significant tax burden on citizens resulting from losses incurred by State-owned enterprises (SOEs) operating outside proper policy frameworks. He emphasized the need for transparency in the restructuring of SOEs to build public trust and confidence in the process.
The State Minister reiterated the Government’s openness to consider proposals and address queries related to SOE restructuring, emphasizing a collaborative approach to achieve the objectives effectively. He discouraged blame-shifting and urged cooperation among stakeholders to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and alleviate the tax burden on citizens.
Siyambalapitiya’s remarks underscored the Government’s commitment to fostering dialogue, transparency, and accountability in the restructuring of SOEs, aiming to ensure a smooth transition of entrepreneurship activities to the private sector while maintaining effective regulation and tax collection mechanisms.