The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has recommended that matters relating to land misuse, financial irregularities, and administrative deficiencies at the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) be referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for formal investigation.

The issue was taken up when COPE met recently under the chairmanship of MP Nishantha Samaraweera to examine Auditor General’s Reports for 2022 and 2023 and review the NHDA’s current performance.

Discussions centered on the leasing of valuable NHDA‑owned lands at Maligawatta, Elvitigala Mawatha, and Rangirigama, Dambulla to external parties at nominal values without Cabinet approval, the use of such lands for purposes contrary to agreements, and the failure to safeguard assets.

COPE observed that many transactions were carried out in violation of NHDA’s objectives and legal provisions. The Committee directed that comprehensive reports on the irregularities be sent to the CID and CIABOC for legal action.

Officials were also instructed to expedite internal audits, identify responsible officers, and initiate disciplinary measures. 

COPE further recommended strengthening asset management and internal control systems to prevent future irregularities. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has cautioned that the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) must not be used selectively or as a political weapon, stressing the need for impartiality and transparency in parliamentary oversight.

He said while COPE plays a vital role in ensuring accountability in public institutions, there is growing concern that its reports are increasingly being used for political targeting rather than as the basis for independent investigations.

“Once a COPE report is tabled in Parliament, it should not be used to publicly condemn individuals or institutions before investigations are completed and before any court of law has determined liability. Due process and the presumption of innocence are fundamental principles that must be respected,” Shanakiyan said in a post on X.

The MP also highlighted inconsistencies in the selection of matters for COPE inquiry, noting that some issues receive extensive attention while others of equal or greater importance are overlooked.

“As a member of the previous COPE Committee, I exposed the massive non‑performing loan portfolios of the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank and the National Savings Bank, involving billions of rupees in public funds. Yet today, these issues appear to have disappeared from the national conversation, while other matters are selectively prioritised,” he observed.

Shanakiyan emphasized that public confidence in COPE depends not only on its findings but also on the integrity of its selection process.

He insisted that every allegation of corruption, fraud, or financial mismanagement must be investigated equally, without fear or favour.

“COPE must remain an independent oversight mechanism, not a forum for political targeting. Equal standards, transparency in case selection, and respect for due process are essential to preserving public trust in Parliament’s oversight role,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Auditor General’s report on coal imports was presented to Parliament on Tuesday (07). 

Leader of the House Minister Bimal Ratnayake tabled the report at the commencement of proceedings. 

At the same time, Opposition MPs lodged a complaint with Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne that the report had not been distributed to Members of Parliament. The Speaker responded that it was the Secretariat’s responsibility to provide the report to MPs.

The special audit report, requested by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), examines the coal purchasing process by Lanka Coal Company for the Lakvijaya Power Plant and procurement for the 2025/2026 season. The Auditor General revealed that the laboratory issuing reports at the loading port for the controversial supplier Trident Company had its license cancelled.

The report further disclosed that at the time advertisements were published calling for tenders, Trident Company had not completed its registration, yet it was awarded the tender. Three other suppliers who had not confirmed registration were also allowed to submit bids.

Coal purchased for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant is tested at both loading and unloading ports. At the loading port, Mitra SK South Africa was appointed, but lacking accreditation, the task was handed to PT Mitra SK Analisa Testama Samarinda, an Indonesian company whose license had been cancelled as of December 29, 2025. The audit did not confirm whether the license was renewed by March 31, 2026. All 12 shipment reports issued at the loading port were found to lack accreditation.

The report also noted discrepancies between loading port reports and data from the plant’s main control unit, with Lanka Coal Company failing to use available alternatives to verify the reports. It highlighted that between November 13 and December 30, 2025, no coal shipments were brought to Sri Lanka despite the need for maximum procurement during that period.

Due to insufficient shipments, an emergency procurement was made on March 18 this year, selecting Taranjot Resource Pvt Ltd. The Auditor General revealed that this company had failed within the past 36 months to supply coal with the required calorific value of 5,900 kcal or above to the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant.

The report warns that failure to import coal on time and reliance on suppliers with questionable standards could adversely affect the continuous supply of electricity at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant. 

The Auditor General’s Report : https://www.newswire.lk/pdf/auditor_general_report_coal_imports.pdf (Newswire)

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Former Director General of the Land Reforms Commission, Liyanage Padmasiri, has formally apologized to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Kandy District MP Chamindrani Kiriella for wrongly linking her name to the alleged illegal acquisition of 43 acres of government land in Hanthana.

Padmasiri expressed regret before the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges, acknowledging that his statement before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) on July 17 last year had been incorrect. 

He conveyed his apology directly to MP Kiriella, and the Ethics Committee has since notified the COPE committee of the matter.

The COPE committee noted that the erroneous statement, which was broadcast without correction, had harmed the MP’s reputation. It instructed the COPE committee to rectify the record and report the correction to Parliament.

Kiriella had earlier raised the issue in Parliament on July 22, 2025, stating that the false reference to her name in connection with the Hanthana land case had insulted her and violated her parliamentary privileges. Her complaint was taken up by the Ethics and Privileges Committee on January 9, 2026, where Padmasiri offered his apology.

This development underscores the seriousness with which Parliament treats privilege violations and reputational harm caused by inaccurate statements made before its committees. (Newswire)

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Recently imported coal has not caused any damage to the machinery at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), MP Nishantha Samaraweera said. 

He noted that the plant is operating properly, and although there has been some reduction in electricity generation, it does not pose a problem for the country’s current energy needs. 

MP Nishantha Samaraweera further stated that the plant has sufficient coal stocks for future requirements, and requested the public not to be misled by propaganda until investigations are completed.

He expressed these views during an on‑site inspection carried out by the COPE Committee at the Norochcholai Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant on 06 March 2026.

During the inspection, all activities from coal unloading to electricity generation were examined, including unloading, storage, random sampling, laboratory testing, and operations at the main control room.

The COPE Committee revealed that checking the quality of imported coal through an independent laboratory established within the country is important for electricity generation.

The Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant, built at Narakkalliya in the Kalpitiya Peninsula, is Sri Lanka’s largest and only coal power plant. It contributes over 900 MW to the national grid, meeting about 35–40% of the country’s electricity demand. The plant operates with a staff of about 845 attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board.

The plant has a 47‑acre yard for coal storage, laboratory facilities for sample testing, and equipment to monitor electricity generation data.

The Committee observed that due to issues in the coal testing process, improvements are needed, and stressed the importance of conducting tests through an independent, accredited laboratory.

Officials explained that coal is unloaded within six months during calm seas, stored in the yard, and samples are randomly collected when unloading from ships. These samples are sent to laboratories via courier services.

The Committee Chairman stressed that the plant’s laboratory should be standardized according to internationally accepted methods and highlighted the importance of improving the testing process to avoid future issues.

Noting that the quality of imported coal has not been within the suitable range for electricity generation, resulting in some reduction in output, he said this matter will be discussed further based on the observations of the inspection and the forthcoming audit report. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) says a loss of Rs. 594 billion has been incurred by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) from 2013 to 2024. 

COPE Chairman MP Nishantha Samaraweera said that a majority of the CEB’s assets and funds have been distributed to private entities. 

The information was disclosed during a recent meeting between the COPE Committee and CEB authorities.

“The department does not make the necessary estimations and does not stick to the generation plan. The revenue has also been distributed through various means. The CEB is a burden for the nation now. Do you not agree that this state entity needs to be restructured?” he further questioned. 

MP Nishantha Samaraweera further said that a forensic audit will be conducted into the CEB, as it has become a serious issue. (Newswire)

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The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has revealed that the government lost more than Rs. 12 million in royalty revenue from a single sand mining project due to lapses at the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB). Lawmakers have directed the bureau to tighten monitoring and amend the Mines and Minerals Act to prevent further losses.

The shortfall was uncovered during COPE’s review of Auditor General’s reports for 2022 and 2023 and the bureau’s current performance, chaired by Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, on Sept. 12 at Parliament.

According to the Auditor General, GSMB granted a private company a license to remove sand at the Mukkutoduwawa Estate in Puttalam District between December 2023 and September 2024. Although an estimated 36,531 to 45,561 cubic meters of sand were removed, royalties were collected for only 1,594 cubic meters, totaling Rs. 686,464. The Committee said the underreporting resulted in a loss of more than Rs. 12 million in state revenue.

COPE also questioned the current practice of calculating royalties for stone quarries based on the amount of explosives issued. Members noted that the system allows for unaccounted excavations, leading to large-scale revenue losses despite extensive quarrying nationwide.

The Committee further examined irregularities in the issuance of Exploration Licenses (ELs). Since 1993, more than 450 licenses have been issued, but only 43 remain active. COPE noted that many licenses are traded at higher prices without exploration work being carried out, while data submitted after exploration often lacks accuracy.

Concerns were also raised about mineral exploration in Mannar Island. Nine licenses had been issued to five Sri Lankan-registered companies, all linked to one Australian-based entity. However, no exploration has taken place for over a decade, blocking 195 square kilometers of land from other potential investors.

On rehabilitation of mined lands, COPE found that as of Aug. 11, 2025, no rehabilitation had been carried out for 3,150 licenses, despite deposits collected for that purpose. Officials said legal action was being pursued against defaulting license holders.

The Committee also highlighted suspected irregularities in quartz exports, including reports that clear quartz is being illegally exported with the support of insiders at GSMB. It recommended transferring the authority for clear quartz exports to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

COPE emphasized that the GSMB has historically failed to operate in line with the Mines and Minerals Act and underscored the need for systematic planning to maximize revenue potential. The Committee said it would continue monitoring the bureau’s implementation of recommendations.

Parliamentarians Dayasiri Jayasekara, Mujibur Rahman, Chaminda Wijesiri, Dilith Jayaweera, Prageeth Madhuranga, Jagath Manuwarna, Ruwan Mapalagama, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana and Chandima Hettiaratchi participated in the session, along with Ministry of Environment Secretary Rohitha Uduwawala, GSMB Chairman Saman Jayasinghe and other officials. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has been informed that Rs. 20,630 million collected during the period from 2018 to November 2023 by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has not been remitted to the Treasury.

During a meeting of the COPE in Parliament this week, the Committee Chair stated that, according to clauses 07 and 08 of Extraordinary Gazette No. 1550/7 dated 22nd May 2008, the Overseas Sales Surcharge (OSS) collected by the Civil Aviation Authority should be credited to the Consolidated Fund. 

He further said that, however, since the inception of the Gazette notification, the Overseas Sales Surcharge has not been credited to the Consolidated Fund but has been identified as the income of the Authority and retained by it. 

Furthermore, the COPE Chair said that the Audit disclosed that Rs. 90 million per month could be retained for Authority expenditure, and the balance should be remitted to the Treasury from this collected income in accordance with the Cabinet decision given in November 2023. However, he stated that the audit has revealed that the sum of Rs. 20,630 million collected during the period from 2018 to November 2023 has not been remitted to the Treasury.

Officials pointed out that the income earned from these retained funds is the main revenue source of the Civil Aviation Authority. However, the Committee Chair inquired whether these retained funds were utilised for activities related to regulation, and stated that the Cabinet decision concerning these funds should also be reconsidered.

The COPE Chair further instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka to act within the prevailing legal framework if it is to properly carry out its primary function of “regulation.”

The directive was issued when the COPE, chaired by MP Nishantha Samaraweera, met in Parliament this week (20) to examine the Auditor General’s Reports of 2022 and 2023 and the current performance of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

Further, extensive discussions took place at COPE regarding the renovation work of the bungalow maintained by the Authority in Weerawila. The procurement plan had been approved for Rs. 4.5 million for this renovation process, but during implementation, it had risen to Rs. 24 million. 

The Committee questioned officials regarding this increase. However, the officials stated that these details were inaccurate and that updated information has been referred to the audit. Accordingly, expressing displeasure regarding the failure to provide accurate information to the audit, the Committee Chair instructed that accurate information be provided within the specified timeframe.

It was also revealed by the National Audit Office officials that even after the renovation of the official quarters of the Authority at Katunayake, the main shortcomings that existed before the renovations still remained, as observed during physical inspections carried out by the audit. 

The Committee also discussed at length that approximately Rs. 1.5 million had been spent merely for the repair of doors. Accordingly, the Committee Chairman instructed the Secretary of the Ministry and the relevant officials to carry out a full re-examination of these renovation works of the buildings and the related procedures.

Extensive discussions were also held at COPE regarding the existing staff vacancies of the Civil Aviation Authority. It was disclosed that around 14 senior-level vacancies have persisted for several years. 

In response, officials explained that although the Authority had called for applications, suitably qualified persons with expertise and experience had not applied for these posts due to prevailing salary disparities. However, they stated that applications have been called and that after receiving the necessary approvals from the Prime Minister’s Committee, the vacancies would be filled.

Commenting on this, the Committee Chair pointed out that at present, a positive perception regarding Sri Lanka is emerging among citizens, and therefore, persons with expertise and qualifications would be willing to serve in professions not merely for salaries but also due to the interest shown towards such careers. 

Nevertheless, he instructed that discussions be held with the Department of Management Services to review the salaries for the vacant posts of the Civil Aviation Authority and to take suitable action. Further, the Committee was instructed to take necessary measures to build a workforce with the required knowledge in this field within the country. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has recommended that legal steps be taken to take over the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and bring it under the purview of the Mahapola Trust Fund.

The COPE Committee pointed out that the transformation of SLIIT, which previously belonged to the Mahapola Trust Fund as an institution administered by it, into a fully private entity was carried out unlawfully.

The recommendation was issued by COPE Chair MP Nishantha Samaraweera to the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, K.A. Vimalenthirarajah, and the Chairperson of the Mahapola Trust Fund, former Justice Vijith Malalgoda.

This recommendation was made during the meeting of the COPE committee held last week, when the Lalith Athulathmudali Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund was summoned before the committee to examine the Auditor General’s reports for the years 2022 and 2023 and its current performance.

During the meeting, it was extensively discussed that the property transfer based on a Cabinet decision in 2015, carried out with the consent of the Minister at the time, was unlawful. It was also noted that SLIIT had paid Rs. 408 million to the Mahapola Trust Fund in this regard, and several Members of Parliament pointed out that it is concerning for an institution originally owned by the Fund to pay such an amount back to the Fund to gain ownership.

The COPE Chair emphasized that those responsible should be duly penalised and that such unlawful and fraudulent actions must be prevented from recurring in the future.

The Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, who holds the position “Founder Trustee” of the fund, stated that such fraud will not be allowed to fade into obscurity over time, and assured that further investigations will be conducted accordingly.

A former official who opposed the transfer of ownership at the time informed the committee that the institution, which had begun as a state entity with official representatives on the Board of Directors, was later illegally removed from state oversight due to greed stemming from the realization that it had become a hub of substantial financial movement.

It was also discussed that some parties might attempt to foster a misconception that these investigations could cause the collapse of a university attended by a large number of students. Therefore, the committee emphasized that while SLIIT should continue its current operations, its administration should be returned to the Mahapola Trust Fund. This would, in turn, enable a greater number of students to pursue degree programmes at a more affordable cost.

Attention was also drawn to the previous government’s failure to properly fill key internal roles in the Fund, including the Internal Auditor position. COPE highlighted that having an inadequately staffed workforce in an institution that handles such a large amount of funds raises serious concerns about its efficiency.

Discussions also covered the current status of companies administered by the Mahapola Trust Fund, including the National Wealth Corporation (Pvt) Ltd and its subsidiary NatWealth Securities Limited, both of which have been incurring losses. As such, the committee decided that a Commercial Audit should be conducted, and appropriate next steps taken.

Further, attention was drawn to the potential to expand Mahapola Scholarships to a greater number of students eligible for university admission. The Chairperson of the Fund stated that efforts are being made to achieve maximum equity in the use of interest and other income generated from the current capital of approximately Rs. 20 billion.

In addition, the Committee discussed issues including the appointment of Trade Exhibition Officers on a contractual basis for a two-year term in 2023, and a loss of Rs. 750 million to the Fund due to the withdrawal of the selected Online Lottery Operator. The Committee directed that these matters also be subjected to a Commercial Audit and that necessary actions be taken accordingly. (Newswire)

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The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has flagged financial and administrative irregularities at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), including the unplanned expenditure of over Rs. 1.3 billion on two programs not included in the agency’s 2024 action plan.

According to findings at the latest COPE meeting , Rs. 63 million was spent on the ‘Vigamanika Harasara’ initiative and over Rs. 1.25 billion on the ‘Glocal Fair’ program, the latter launched before securing Cabinet approval. Questions were raised about the scale of spending, given only Rs. 2 million is typically allocated for such activities annually.

COPE also found that the SLBFE has failed to recover Rs. 100 million from the 2013 Rataviru Housing Loan Program due to the non-implementation of its MoU with the Samurdhi Authority. Officials admitted to lacking data on beneficiaries, prompting the Committee to demand a full report.

The Bureau was also criticized for exceeding its regulatory mandate and not utilizing its Rs. 18 billion in fixed deposits effectively.

Further issues discussed included misuse of registration fees through fraudulent practices by employment agencies and inaction regarding the dormant Rs. 5.1 billion Kuwait Compensation Fund. A sub-committee will be appointed to investigate financial fraud related to agency misreporting. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has been informed that the Airports and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) has paid Rs. 37 billion to Taisei Corporation for the Passenger Terminal Building & Associated Works construction contract, Package A, for an actual progress of about 5.44%, compared to the expected physical progress of 30%.

According to a Parliament statement, the matter was revealed when the COPE Committee met in Parliament recently under the chairmanship of MP Nishantha Samaraweera to examine the current performance of the AASL.

During the meeting, officials said that due to the circular issued by the Ministry of Finance on 12 April 2022 titled “Interim Policy on Servicing of Sri Lanka’s External Public Debt”, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had suspended the release of loan instalments for the project.

They revealed that as a result, the contractor had stopped construction work on 09 December 2022 and had to make a payment of Rs. 37 billion, including the loss incurred as a result.

The Committee questioned how reasonable it was to pay such a large amount to Taisei Company for an actual progress of about 5.44%, even after two years of the contract period had elapsed in a project for a period of 3 years. 

Furthermore, the COPE Committee discussed at length the award of contracts to a company other than the Taisei Company to minimise damage to the construction after the construction work was stopped, and the additional cost of Rs. 1,328.7 million that was incurred for those contracts.

It was revealed that after the construction work of the said project was halted, the materials and equipment, purchased for a value of Rs. 1,550 million by the contractor for the project, were taken over by AASL and were stored in private warehouses under the contract with the local subcontractors of the project.

In this regard, the Chairman of AASL had appointed nine committees, and according to the evaluation and recommendations of the said committees, it was informed that Rs. 392,904 could be saved monthly by moving their incinerator to another warehouse. 

The Committee also drew attention to the fact that the company had to incur additional storage costs of Rs. 3.9 million from March 2023 to December 2024 due to the non-implementation of those recommendations. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has been informed of fake documents regarding the importing of medicines under the emergency procurement system in 2022 and 2023.

National Medicine Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka (NMRA) CEO Saveen Semage told the committee that several fake documents have been found due to the lack of registration of medicines.

Stating that 06 such fake documents were found last year alone, Saveen Semage said he had recorded statements regarding each of the documents with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division. 

He revealed that, however, no investigations have been conducted yet into the incidents. 

“We have documents with confessions from a woman accepting that fake documents had been made. However, a statement has not even been recorded from that woman yet,” he said. 

Meanwhile, COPE member MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana also revealed that the highest number of waive-off registrations (WOR) for medicines had been obtained in 2022 and 2023.

He said 656 waive-off registrations (WOR) had been obtained in 2022 and 261 in 2023, adding that this proves that discrepancies have taken place during the emergency procurement of medicines during these periods. 

Furthermore, Deputy Director General of the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. G. Wijesuriya said discussions are underway on allowing the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) to directly import essential medicines.

He pointed out that it was essential to take a policy decision in this regard as a solution to mitigate such discrepancies. (Newswire)

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A collection of gemstones valued at Rs. 250 million was released without board approval by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) just days before the 2024 presidential election, it was revealed during a Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) hearing.

During the proceedings, NGJA Chairman Naveen Sooriyarachchi said that the authority does not receive import data from Sri Lanka Customs, making it difficult to maintain accurate records and valuations.

COPE members referred to media reports of an unauthorized release of gemstones in 2024, confirming that the parcel in question was valued at 21,096 karats (approximately USD 78,017). Officials admitted that no approval had been sought from the NGJA Board of Directors for the release of the jewels in September 2024.

Following legal action, when the gemstones were recovered, a portion of them was missing, a COPE member disclosed.

Valuation Discrepancies

Further questioning revealed that at the time of the incident, Ramesh Pathirana served as the Cabinet Minister overseeing the sector, while Chamara Sampath Dassanayake was the State Minister. COPE members also inquired whether Viraj de Silva, the NGJA chairman at the time, had been appointed by Dassanayake.

The COPE was informed that after the gemstones were recovered, they were released to the same individual upon payment of a fine of just Rs. 10,000.

The NGJA Export and Sales Director said that the board had approved the release based on instructions from another official, who was also present at the hearing. However, when questioned by COPE, the said official contradicted the previous official’s remarks, stating that he did not authorise the release.

Meanwhile, Valuation Director of the Authority said that she had noted discrepancies in the valuations and estimates recorded in invoices. Again, officials were unable to explain why the initial valuation of the gemstones was Rs. 20 million (2 crores) but later increased to Rs. 150 million (15 crores).

Industries Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara who was also present at the hearing expressed frustration over the incident, stating that Sri Lanka could have generated greater revenue if the NGJA had not been involved. She cited her own negative experiences in the state sector as the reason for her remarks.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Department was only informed of the release after the gemstones had already been handed over, raising further concerns about procedural failures, COPE revealed. (Newswire)

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Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake today informed the Parliament of the government’s decisions concerning the Parliamentary Committees of Public Enterprises and Public Accounts. 

Minister Bimal Rathnayake said that the government has decided to grant the leadership of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) to the Opposition.

He said, however, the government has decided that the ruling party will head the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

Minister Rathnayake said this was due to the COPE committee intending to focus on matters related to the former government, as its initial task. 

The Leader of the House also assured that the government will do its utmost to accommodate the requirements of the opposition regarding representation in Parliamentary committees. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Dilan Perera has become the 11th member to step down from the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

Resignations have been pouring in seemingly over the recently appointed new Chairman of the COPE Committee.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne was the first member of the COPE Committee to resign, citing issues with the appointment of a ruling party member as the new chairman of the Committee. 

Thereafter, MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara (SLFP), Prof. Charitha Herath (SLPP), S.M. Marikkar (SJB), Hesha Withanage (SJB), Gamini Waleboda (SLPP), Shanakiyan Rasamanickam (TNA), Wasantha Yapa Bandara (SLPP), Duminda Dissanayake (SLFP), and Anura Kumara Dissanayake (NPP) also stepped down from the COPE Committee over the last three days. (NewsWire)

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A total of 10 members have stepped down from the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) as of today.

National Peoples Power (NPP) Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Duminda Dissanayake are the latest Parliamentarians to resign from the COPE Committee.

Resignations have been pouring in over the last few days seemingly over the newly appointed Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises.

Earlier today, SLPP MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara declined to accept his appointment to the COPE Committee, which was announced by Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakshe in Parliament.

MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara intervened and announced his decision to decline the appointment, due to the current issue with the newly appointed Chairman.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne was the first member of the COPE Committee to resign, citing issues with the appointment of a ruling party member as the new chairman of the Committee. 

Following his resignation, MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara (SLFP), Prof. Charitha Herath (SLPP), S.M. Marikkar (SJB), Hesha Withanage (SJB), Gamini Waleboda (SLPP), and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam (TNA) also stepped down from the COPE Committee over the last two days. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara today declined to accept his appointment to the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE). 

Opening Parliament proceedings, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapkshe announced the appointment of MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara to the COPE Committee.

However, immediately, MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara intervened and announced his decision to decline the appointment.

Addressing the Chamber, MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara pointed out that it was general practice for an opposition MP to head the COPE Committee.

The Parliamentarian said that with the current issue with the newly appointed Chairman, he will be declining his appointment to the COPE Committee.

MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara becomes the latest member to resign from the COPE Committee. 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne was the first member of the COPE Committee to resign, citing issues with the appointment of a ruling party member as the new chairman of the Committee. 

Following his resignation, MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara (SLFP), Prof. Charitha Herath (SLPP), S.M. Marikkar (SJB), Hesha Withanage (SJB), Gamini Waleboda (SLPP), and Shanakiyan Rasamanickam (TNA) also stepped down from the COPE Committee.

A total of eight Parliamentarians have stepped down from the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) as of now. (NewsWire)

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Several members of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) have tendered their resignation today seemingly over the appointment of the new Chairman to the committee. 

MPs Shanakiyan Rasamanickam (TNA), Hesha Withanage (SJB), Gamini Waleboda (SLPP) and S.M. Marikkar (SJB) have become the latest members to resign from the COPE Committee.

Earlier today, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Charitha Herath also announced his decision to step down from the COPE Committee.

“I have decided to resign from the COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) and have officially communicated my decision to the Speaker of Parliament today,” he said in a statement on ‘X’.

Previously, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara resigned from the COPE Committee today, stating that he cannot work with a Chairman against whom several allegations have been raised.

“It is unfortunate that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has failed to learn from the ‘Aragalaya’ and respect the people. To instruct State Officials to avoid corruption, the committees in Parliament must also be free of corruption,” he added in a statement on ‘X’.

The resignations come after Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne became the first member to announce his decision to step down from the COPE Committee yesterday. 

“COPE has been established to ensure the observance of financial discipline in Public Corporations and other semi-governmental bodies in which the Government has a financial stake. By appointing a ruling party member as its Chairman, the committee fails to meet its objectives of keeping a check on the executive arm of the government,” he said in a statement. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has become the second member to resign from the Parliamentary Committee On Public Enterprises (COPE).

Taking to ‘X’, MP Jayasekara announced his decision, stating that he cannot work with a Chairman against whom several allegations have been raised.

“It is unfortunate that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has failed to learn from the ‘Aragalaya’ and respect the people,” he said. 

MP Jayasekara further said that in order to instruct State Officials to avoid corruption, the committees in Parliament must also be free of corruption.

His resignation follows that of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne, who stepped down from the COPE committee yesterday also citing the same reason. (NewsWire)

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National Peoples Power (NPP) MP Vijitha Herath says he is prepared to prove the allegations levelled against Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE ) Chairman MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena.

Addressing a public event, MP Herath said that the newly appointed COPE Chairman has warned of filing a case against him for his recent allegations, adding that it was a good move.

MP Vijitha Herath revealed he was ready to prove the allegations against MP Abeygunawardena in court.

“By providing facts to the court we can explain why we made such statements, while we can also prove to the citizens the fraud and corruption that has taken place,” he added. 

Earlier, condemning MP Herath’s allegations against him, MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena said he would initiate legal action in this regard.

MP Abeygunawardena had also challenged MP Vijitha Herath to provide evidence before the court to back his allegations, especially the claim referring to him as ‘a thief’.  

A spat had broken out between the two MPs after NPP MP Vijitha Herath had raised concerns over the appointment of MP Abeygunawardena as the Chairman of the COPE Committee, during a meeting with the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation held last week. (NewsWire)

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