The National Economic Council appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena to decide on integral factors of fiscal policy and the future objectives of the Sri Lankan economy, convened for the first time yesterday (12) at the Presidential Secretariat. 

The Council that includes Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Susil Premajayantha, Sarath Amunugama, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, Secretary to the Prime Minister Saman Ekanayake, Secretaryto the Cabinet Sumith Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance R.H.S. Samaratunga, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of National Policy and Economic Activities Shantha Bandara and the General Secretary of the National Economic Council Prof. Lalith Samarakoon gathered yesterday marking the first meeting of the council.
 
The President’s Media Division reports that President Maithripala Sirisena informed the Council that their primary objective was to take decisions on the National Economy prioritizing the local agricultural and industrial sectors. 

Several discussions were held addressing concerns of fiscal policy, government financial affairs, management of state loans and several other matters. Special attention was paid to the development of infrastructure on a Divisional level. 

The Council also discussed the influence of State Officials over the improper approval of loans by financial institutions to the rural people.  
  
Notably, Cabinet approval was given to appoint Prof.Lalith Samarakoon a the General Secretary of the National Economic Council.