Treasury Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma has been summoned before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) to provide explanations over a cyber theft involving the theft of $2.5 million.
He has been instructed to appear before the committee on Thursday (30), along with other senior Finance Ministry officials, according to COPF chairman Harsha de Silva.
Harsha de Silva said the decision was taken unanimously by the committee, stressing the seriousness of the issue.
“We must look at this as a national issue. We cannot solve this with partisan views. There is clearly a problem, and Parliament has the full authority over public finance,” he said.
He added that the committee has the authority under standing orders to summon officials and examine the matter.
“I strongly maintained that the Treasury Secretary must be called before the committee. After discussion, all members unanimously agreed to this proposal,” he said.
De Silva said the Central Bank Governor has also been summoned, adding that all committee members will have the opportunity to question officials on the matter.
Responding to claims made outside Parliament that no fraud had occurred, he cautioned against premature conclusions.
“Do not label this. We have a responsibility. There is no reason for the officials not to appear before the committee,” he said. (Newswire)