Opposition forms alternative committee to probe SL bankruptcy

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa 

• Says the committee appointed in Parliament is aimed at fulfilling specific political objectives
• Ridicules the appointment of individuals responsible for the country’s severe economic crisis to investigate its causes
• Claims Opposition committee will investigate the causes of Bankruptcy and identify those
• Welcomes the support of any MP in Parliament or those willing to give information 

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday announced the decision made by the Opposition to establish a committee, separate from the one formed in Parliament, to delve into the underlying causes that contributed to Sri Lanka’s state of bankruptcy.

Premadasa expressed his belief that the committee appointed by the Government to investigate the country’s bankruptcy is a calculated manoeuvre aimed at fulfilling specific political objectives rather than impartially addressing the issue.

 “It was MP Harshana Rajakaruna of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya who first proposed the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the causes that led to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. The Government, which failed to respond positively to the proposal, has now unilaterally appointed a committee comprising individuals associated with a history of corruption and dishonesty,” Premadasa alleged.

According to Premadasa, the Government’s intentions become evident when analysing the composition of the committee suggested by them. “Particularly, the appointment of the General Secretary of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, which was in a position of power during the country’s bankruptcy, as the committee’s chairman, highlights the Government’s true motives,” he said. 

The Opposition leader ridiculed the appointment of individuals responsible for the country’s severe economic crisis to investigate its causes, stating that it is a farcical joke. “The intention of the committee is to exonerate those accountable for the country’s bankruptcy and grant them impunity,” he claimed. 

Premadasa said serving on such a committee would be futile and devoid of any meaningful outcome. “It is also a betrayal of the people suffering due to the current economic crisis,” he added. 

Premadasa said that the coalition of Opposition parties in Parliament has therefore reached a consensus to establish their own committee, with the objective of investigating the root causes of Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy and identifying the individuals accountable for it. The committee is expected to report its findings to the Parliament. 

Additionally, the Opposition leader extended a warm welcome to any Members of Parliament who were inclined to support the committee’s efforts. Furthermore, he assured that anyone willing to provide information relevant to the committee’s investigation would be accommodated and facilitated accordingly.