Ravi K calls for bond scam audits to be tabled in P’ment

• Says Speaker has capacity to table reports 
• Ajith Perera concurs, says Rs. 900 m spent on reports, public have right to know 
• Calls for Sunil Handunnetti to be re-appointed as CoPE Chairman

Opposition lawmaker Ravi Karunanayake yesterday demanded the Speaker table the forensic report on the controversial bond scam in Parliament, despite the legal restrictions set by the Attorney General.

MP Karunanayake, highlighting the fact that Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is now responsible for the forensic report, with the term of the Committee On Public Enterprises (CoPE) coming to an end on 3 December, said: “I propose to reappoint lawmaker Sunil Handunnetti to CoPE. The forensic audit report, which contains five parts, should be tabled in Parliament without delay.”

Endorsing the request, lawmaker Ajith Perera held that a cost of Rs. 900 million was borne by the Central Bank to prepare the forensic audit report. “This is a report prepared by international independent audit firms. CoPE, as well as the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, recommended submitting the forensic report, which highlights with details of the actual culprits, and the duration of the crime. People have a right to know the details of the forensic audit report. We believe the controversial bond scam was there even before 2015,” he said.

Explaining the legal issues CoPE faced to delay the forensic audit report from coming out, JVP lawmaker Sunil Handunnetti said: “Governor of the Central Bank (CBSL) submitted the forensic report to CoPE on 27 November 2019, and the report was to be tabled in Parliament on 3 December 2019. 

Ravi K calls...

There was an advisement received from the Attorney General restricting access to the report, other than the relevant Minister and the members of CoPE. I decided to summon CoPE members on 3 December 2019, having considered the legal barrier. With the prorogation of Parliament, CoPE came to an end. It is essential to appoint members to CoPE who could decide the fate of the forensic report, despite the ongoing legal procedures.” 

The Attorney General had earlier advised against the release of the audit reports, on the basis that they could hinder ongoing investigations into the bond scam. (AH)