Harsha challenges MOF to get Auditor’s approval to shift 2020 expenses to 2019

• Says such a practice is unprecedented
• Raises questions over imposition of taxes without parliamentary approval

SJB MP Harsha De Silva

SJB MP Harsha De Silva yesterday challenged the Ministry of Finance to get the approval of the Auditor General on shifting 2020 expenses to 2019 saying the money is for unpaid bills from 2019.

“This practice of backdating unpaid bills has never been done. I cautioned the Secretary to the MOF [R.S.] Attygalle on this at the Public Finance Committee meeting, and explained that trying to change the figures in this way is dangerous. It is from the international community that we go to get credit, get investments, and this kind of doctoring of statics will have a negative impact,” De Silva said during the debate on the 2020 Appropriation Bill.

He added that certain legal issues would arise regarding the imposition of taxes on the public in this manner, without the proper authorisation of Parliament.