Harsha raises breach of Parliamentary Privilege by SLCMA

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva 

•  Raises concerns about accusations made against CoPF by SLCMA 
• Says media outlets has also misconstrued situation leading to misinformation
• Maintains Parliament’s decisions are not influenced by external groups
• Calls on Speaker to take necessary actions to safeguard his privileges

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP and Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Chairman on Friday brought to light a violation of his Parliamentary privileges by the Sri Lanka Cosmetic Manufacturers Association (SLCMA). 

During his address in Parliament, Dr. Harsha de Silva expressed his concerns about a breach of privilege under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act. His complaint was related to a letter dated 4 October 2023 written by the SLCMA Secretary Gayani Jayaratne. According to him, this letter raised concerns about the handling of Extraordinary Gazette No. 2336/69, dated 16 June 2023.

He highlighted that the letter incorrectly references Gazette No. 2336/63, dated 16 June 2023, which, in reality, pertains to land rights – a matter under the jurisdiction of the Land Commissioner General’s office and not within the scope of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF).

“However, it’s important to clarify that the relevant document I wished to draw attention to is Gazette number 2336/72, dated 16 June 2023, which pertains to the palm oil industry and the revision of tariff rates,” he noted.

Explaining the CoPF’s handling of the Gazette, de Silva said the Committee engaged with relevant ministries to discuss its contents and due to insufficient information available at that time, it recommended a detailed report from the Ministry of Industry while the Ministry of Finance was also asked to provide additional clarification.

He said the CoPF recommended a reconsideration of the Gazette on 10 October in light of conflicting information with the Government’s tax policy,

“The Committee on Public Finance is committed to upholding the principles of Parliamentary democracy and operates independently. It does not merely serve as a rubber stamp for Government initiatives, as it exercises its constitutional role to provide careful scrutiny and recommendations on matters of public finance, as part of checks and balances,” the MP stressed. 

He expressed his concerns over allegations made in the letter by the SLCMA and emphasised that the allegations made in the letter have not been referred to the CoPF. The MP also said attempts to contact the association through the provided contact information have been unsuccessful. Furthermore, he highlighted that certain media outlets have misconstrued the situation, leading to misinformation.

Underlining the constitutional authority of the Sri Lankan Parliament over public finances, Dr. de Silva pointed out that the Parliament is responsible for making appropriate recommendations in accordance with Standing Order 121. He also noted that the CoPF plays a crucial role in this process. He asserted that Parliament’s decisions are not influenced by external groups.

The MP also addressed accusations made against him on a website, alleging negligence of responsibilities on behalf of multinational companies, resulting in a loss of Rs. 2000 million to the Government. He submitted copies of these accusations to the Parliamentary assembly.

In light of these circumstances, Dr. de Silva formally notified the House that Parliamentary privileges and the rights of MPs had been violated. He called upon the Speaker to take necessary actions to safeguard his privileges and uphold the integrity of the Parliamentary system.