SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva 

• Says his unwillingness to protect thieves and give them opportunity to steal was the only reason to oust from position
• Strongly believes tax revenue of a bankrupt country should be used to maximise benefits for people  
• Opines it is now clear his transparent way of work was a huge headache for the bandit ring to rob people’s wealth at will 
• Believes the Opposition, led by Sajith Premadasa, will fight this injustice
• Minister Manusha Nanayakkara clarifies MP de Silva was not sacked, but not elected this time

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday affirmed he will stand up stronger than ever to defeat the evil ring that made him a political victim after working for the country and the people, 

“I think I have completed all the qualifications to act as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. But, my unwillingness to protect thieves and give them the opportunity to steal was the only reason why I was fired from that position,” he emphasised. 

The COPF is one of the most important committees in the Parliament. This Committee has the key to exercising the monetary power of the Parliament. For example, before presenting a money bill to the Parliament for adoption, the Finance Committee examines the effect it will have on the people of the country and gives the initial approval. 

“Since I had a deep understanding of the importance of this Committee and after I became the Chairman of the COPF when I failed to present any proposal analytically, I did not proceed to approve those proposals,” Dr. de Silva stressed.

The SJB MP pointed out that expressed that he strongly believes that the tax revenue of a bankrupt country should be used in a way that maximises benefits for the public.

“I insisted in the Finance Committee that a casino regulatory authority should be established. I emphasised that when the Board of Investment (BOI) extends tax concessions for large-scale projects, the benefits of those should be calculated and presented analytically to pass on the benefits to the entire economy. Until those factors were met, the COPF did not approve the proposals,” he explained.

Dr. de Silva said it is now clear that his transparent way of work was a huge headache for the bandit ring in this country. “It is clear that this group of crooks is illegally driving me from the position of the Chairman of the COPF to rob the people’s wealth at will,” he claimed.

Expressing his confidence, Dr. de Silva believes the Opposition, led by Sajith Premadasa, will fight this injustice, and everything will be resolved in the people’s Court based on their behaviour. 

Separately, Minister Manusha Nanayakkara taking to twitter said MPs get elected to two public committees and get rotated, claiming that it has been a practice and tradition in the Parliament.

He also noted that MP Dr. Harsha de Silva got elected to the COPF last time with the support of the Government MPs.

“You weren’t sacked, you weren’t elected this time. Don’t mislead general public,” Nanayakkara said via twitter.

Prof. Ranjith appointed COPE Chairman, Mayantha appointed COPF Chairman