Harsha moots AG’s presence at CoPE, CoPA proceedings for subsequent legal action

Saturday, 21 October 2023 00:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Claims all committees have agreed to have a member from AG’s department present
Urges Speaker to accept request and amend standing orders accordingly

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Chairman Harsha de Silva yesterday said having a representative from the Attorney General’s Department present during meetings of the Parliament’s committees on Public Accounts (CoPA) and Public Enterprises (CoPE) would facilitate the utilisation of the evidence uncovered in court proceedings. The MP noted in Parliament that despite the CoPE and CoPA with the backing of the Auditor General, revealing numerous irregularities, there have been public grievances about the absence of subsequent action.

“There are complaints regarding inaction following CoPE and CoPA reports. We are all aware that having a representative from the Attorney General’s Office present can address this. We all agree to involve an officer from the AG’s office,” he noted.

The MP requested Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to consider the request and amend the standing orders accordingly.

In response, the Speaker noted that he was not previously informed of such a request made to the Committee on Standing Orders. He then encouraged de Silva, in his capacity as the Chairman of CoPF, to submit a written request regarding this matter.

MP de Silva confirmed that he had raised the issue within the committee and agreed to formalise the request by submitting it to the Speaker.