Sri Lanka, Oct. 23 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Ministry of Finance has finalised decisions to close 34 state institutions as part of the government's efforts to reduce public expenditure and ease the financial burden on the state.

The President made these remarks while addressing the annual general meeting of the Government Surveyors' Association in Battaramulla.

Highlighting the importance of the public service, President Dissanayake said the cost of providing public services had become exceptionally high, requiring a review of the structure and operations of state institutions.

He said the government had decided to shut down certain institutions and merge several others to improve operational efficiency and r...