SJB loses COPA Chairmanship amid protests over Harsha's replacement as COPF Chair

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today again raised issue over the move to appoint SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake as the new Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) though SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva was the Opposition's nominee. 

Mr Dissanayake was appointed COPF Chair yesterday by Parliament's Committee of Selection, where the Government is in the majority. 

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem said traditionally, the Committee of Selection would accept the Opposition's nominee. However, yesterday, the Government used its majority to appoint Mr Dissanayake over Dr. De Silva, he noted. He further alleged that when contacted, Mr Dissanayake had told him that it was Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena who called him and asked whether he was willing to serve as the new COPF Chair. "That is totally biased conduct on your part," he told the Speaker.

The Speaker refuted Mr Hakeem's allegations, and said it was Mr Dissanayake who called him. "Your allegation is totally wrong," he insisted. 

Both Mr Hakeem and Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said the matter was "not over," drawing attention to media reports today quoting Mr Dissanayake saying that he was willing to consider stepping down from the position of COPF Chair if that is the wish of the party. As such, they called on the Speaker to take measures to ensure that Dr De Silva is appointed to the post once Mr Dissanayake steps down as he has indicated. 

National People's Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake opined that it would be better for the Opposition MP appointed as COPF Chair by the Government to step down and make way for the nominee submitted by the Chief Opposition Whip on behalf of the Opposition. 

Meanwhile, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna was appointed as the new Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) today. Mr Alagiyawanna was appointed by a majority vote. He replaces SJB MP Kabir Hashim, who was the Chairman of COPA prior to the prorogation of Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.