Former Speaker commends CoPF 

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya issued a statement over the weekend commending the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) for recognising the responsibilities of Parliament and taking several critical decisions in the public interest recently.

“The CoPF’s recent decision in relation to several commodities that are essential for our daily life, including those needed for the construction industry, must be commended,” Jayasuriya said. 

“The CoPF has taken a decision to bring illegal profits being made by companies that import and distribute commodities required for the construction industry including cement, to a certain limit. Pointing out that the price of a kilo of wheat flour can be maintained at Rs. 198, a decision has also been made,” he noted. 

The former Speaker said the National Movement of Social Justice decided to issue the commendation as it is important to encourage all members of Parliamentary committees while also reminding them of their responsibilities and roles.  Jayasuriya said the organisation views this intervention as a constructive step towards the betterment of the populace, in contrast to the contentious disputes and unproductive discussions rooted in narrow political agendas that frequently occur within the Parliamentary setting.

“At a time when Sri Lanka is facing a serious economic crisis, every responsible organisation must investigate and intervene in the unfair practices of certain importers who merely work towards making unlimited profits. 

There, the Parliament, which has been entrusted with the foremost responsibility for the formulation of policies, including fiscal management, has a great responsibility that cannot be relinquished. Parliamentary committees also have an essential role to play,” the release said. 

The former Speaker also drew attention to the high-interest rates that are severely affecting small and medium-scale business communities and said they are harming the progress of the country. “Taking into account the orders issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in this regard, we would like to request the CoPF to intervene in this regard,” Jayasuriya said.