COPF meets for first time under chairmanship of Harsha

Wednesday, 8 January 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF), on Monday met for the first time under the chairmanship of MP Dr. Harsha de Silva.

In terms of the Standing Orders of Parliament, MP de Silva representing the Opposition, was recently nominated as the Chair to COPF by the Committee of Selection.

Following the address by the Chair in which a brief overview of the functions and past work by the Committee was highlighted, the forum was made available for the Members of the Committee and the officials present to carry out an open discussion.

Thereafter, Ministry officials including Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana and Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe conducted a presentation on the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 and the Recent Economic Developments and the Outlook. The Committee approved the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024.

The Committee commended the CBSL Governor for being named as the LMD’s ‘Sri Lankan of the Year’ and acknowledged the efforts of the officials in reviving the economy.

The COPF also took into account the Annual Work Programme of the National Audit Office – 2025 and approved the same subject to the revision by the Committee if necessary.

Members of the COPF are Deputy Ministers Harshana Suriyaperuma and Chathuranga Abeysinghe, MPs Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Arkam Ilyas, Nimal Palihena, Wijesiri Basnayake, Thilina Samarakoon, Lakmali Hemachndra and the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne who were present at the inaugural meeting.