A tense situation arose in Parliament today after the Opposition walked out of the Chambers accusing the government of failing to provide an opportunity to hold a discussion on the policy measures required to be taken in view of the disaster situation in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Parliament, Opposition MP Kabir Hashim said the disaster had occurred despite the Department of Meteorology having warned of adverse weather and possible calamities. 

He pointed out that despite the warnings, the government had failed to pay attention or take the necessary measures to prevent the disaster. 

The MP further pointed out that the matter was not even raised in Parliament for discussion, which he said could have drastically reduced the impact of the disasters. 

“If we had discussed this in Parliament beforehand, and if the water was opened gradually from November 12, we could have saved at least 75% of lives. Only if we had discussed this issue in Parliament. Keep politics aside. Our views and expertise could have been used and discussed. We have faced this situation in 2016 as well,” MP Kabir Hashim added.

As the Speaker moved on to the next agenda for today’s sitting, the Opposition informed they were leaving the Parliament, as they could help those in distress instead of wasting time in Parliament. 

A group of opposition MPs walked out of Parliament, expressing displeasure over the government’s failure to provide an opportunity to discuss the current disaster situation in the country. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Kabir Hashim has been appointed as the new Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) of the tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

This appointment fills the vacancy created following the resignation of MP Aravinda Senarath, who served as the Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) for the first session of the Tenth Parliament, on 06th August 2025. 

According to a Parliament statement, the Committee convened in Parliament today (12) to elect the new Chairman.

For the position of Chair, the name of MP Kabir Hashim was proposed and seconded by MPs J.C. Alawathuwala and Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, respectively.

Subsequently, addressing the Committee, the new Chair stated that he expects to carry out his duties in a neutral manner, free from political bias, with the cooperation of all members. He further expressed his special appreciation for the work performed by former Chair MP Aravinda Senarath and stated that he expects to carry out the responsibilities of his office even more effectively. 

Moreover, MP Kabir Hashim indicated that he is prepared to take the necessary measures to further systematize the functions of the COPA Committee by formulating new plans.

The occasion was also attended by Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, MPs M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, J.C. Alawathuwala, Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Hector Appuhamy, Kavinda Jayawardhana, Oshani Umanga, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Thushari Jayasingha, M.A.M. Thahir, Lal Premanath, and Chanaka Madugoda, as well as Parliament officials. (Newswire)

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Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa will be made President by December this year, SJB MP Kabir Hashim vouched while addressing an event.

MP Kabir Hashim said the authorities will themselves hand over power to Sajith Premadasa.

“Let’s go slowly. We don’t need to grab power. They themselves will hand it over and leave,” he said, pointing out that this will be an instance similar to what happened to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 

“When Gota couldn’t do it, he was trying to hand over power. When our leader delayed in accepting it, Ranil Wickremesinghe slid in and took over power. That will not be allowed this time. We are also watchful this time. Ranil is polishing his shoes and waiting for the government’s fall. But we will not let him in,” MP Hashim said. 

The SJB MP further said that they must take over and change the nation, adding that he has confidence that the SJB can do it. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Kabir Hashim challenged in Parliament that he would cut off his ear if the government could establish a State Development Bank for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) within this year, as proposed in the 2025 Budget. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Hashim said the government has not mentioned any fine details on the State Development Bank, further questioning if the government has the necessary funds and the steps taken in this regard.

“If the State Development Bank is established within this year, I will cut off my ear,” he said.

Responding to MP Hashim’s challenge, Minister Sunil Handunneththi said the opposition MP may have to cut off his tongue as the government has already commenced the necessary work regarding the bank. 

Minister Sunil Handunneththi revealed that discussions are already underway with three state banks for Rs. 50 billion in funds for the proposed State Development Bank.

He further said that as a preliminary step, a regional bank has identified 15,000 farmers as potential beneficiaries, confirming that work was already underway concerning setting up a State Development Bank. 

MP Kabir Hashim had raised concerns after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that a State Development Bank would be established for the benefit of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Presenting the 2025 Budget proposals on Monday, the President further said the State Development Bank would be set up under the existing state banking system. (Newswire)

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