Committee on Public Finance new Chief Harsha promises transparency; holds first meeting

Wednesday, 24 August 2022 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The first Committee meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) for the Third Session of the Ninth Parliament was held yesterday under the chairmanship of SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva.

In accordance with the Standing Order 121, the Committee of Selection appointed Dr. de Silva as the Chairman of the Committee recently.

The Committee considered and approved the Appropriation (Amendment) Bill to amend the Appropriation Act No. 30 of 2021. Furthermore, the Social Security Contribution Levy Bill was also approved.

Regulations under the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017, Order under the Special Commodity Levy Act No. 48 of 2007 and a Resolution under the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) also received approval of the Committee on Public Finance.

Following the meeting, COPF new Chairman de Silva said it is a major responsibility as the Constitution provides full control of public finance to the Legislature.

“Will do my absolute best to help resolve #SriLankaEconomicCrisis. Will bring in transparency. I will also push to establish an earlier proposed Parliamentary Budget Office to provide the committee and 225 MPs relevant analysis on all finance bills. Also will engage think tanks and academics. Plan to open sessions to the media on a phased basis,” de Silva said in a tweet.