The Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development acknowledged that problems have arisen at economic centres under his Ministry, citing procurement guideline violations, unresolved audit queries regarding disbursed funds, and accountability gaps due to staff turnover among responsible officers and District Secretaries. He indicated that a written clarification would be provided to address what he described as misunderstandings. The Minister announced the formal establishment of National Agri Market Services Limited (NAMS Ltd.), with a Board of Directors appointed in accordance with Cabinet approval and qualifying criteria consistent with other state institutions, tasked with properly managing the country's economic centres.
Mr. Speaker, the centres are under our Ministry. But problems have arisen regarding who takes decisions. Under Procurement Guidelines, certain constructions cannot be done the way they were being done. Significant audit queries have been raised—funds disbursed were not realized; funds in accounts were used; some responsible officers are no longer in post; some District Secretaries who gave approvals have moved on. Some speak out of misunderstanding; that is regrettable. We will set it in writing and you will see.
We have formally established the National Agri Market Services Limited. Directors are appointed per Cabinet approval and qualifications, just as with Bank of Ceylon, National Salt Limited, Pelwatta Sugar Factory, etc. The appointed Board is carrying the process forward. NAMS Ltd. is the institution set up to properly manage the country’s economic centres. Please watch and you will see results in the coming days.
Thank you.