The Sri Lankan government has established four special committees to address economic and social disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. These committees aim to maintain essential services, stabilize supply chains, and lessen the impact on daily life amidst global uncertainties affecting the country’s economy. One committee, focused on energy, is tasked with ensuring uninterrupted access to fuel, gas, and coal. Chaired by the minister of foreign affairs, foreign employment, and tourism, it will implement urgent procurement measures and explore alternative supply sources to maintain stable energy availability.
Another committee, led by the prime minister, has been assigned to oversee public service operations. Its responsibilities include ensuring the efficient functioning of government activities, supporting overall economic endeavors, and ensuring the delivery of essential services to the public. Additionally, a committee under the minister of transport, highways, and urban development will supervise the distribution of essential goods. Its role is to ensure the smooth functioning of both public and private supply chains, maintain goods accessibility at reasonable prices, and prevent market shortages.
Addressing the social aspect of the crisis, a fourth committee chaired by the minister of rural development, social security, and community empowerment will focus on identifying the impact on vulnerable groups. This committee will collaborate with relevant institutions to provide timely support and address emerging challenges affecting daily living conditions. The conflict in the Middle East, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, resulting in casualties including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials, followed by retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Iran on the US, Israel, and allied forces in West Asia.
