COPA to introduce reporting mechanism on corruption and irregularities

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) directed its attention on developing a mechanism to immediately report corruption and irregularities being carried out in State Institutions. This was taken up for discussion when the COPA committee, chaired by Prof Tissa Vitarana. met in Parliament today (6).  

Prof. Vitharana further stated that the forthcoming meetings will be open to the media at the meeting held in order to enlighten its members of the process of conducting COPA meetings henceforth, Parliament's Communications Department stated. 

The Chairman pointed out that the Committee should pay special attention to find the root causes of the issues highlighted in the audit reports. He further pointed out that in accordance with the powers vested in Parliament and the Committee, measures should be taken to resolve issues in the State Institutions and assess the finances provided by the Parliament its performances.

In expressing views, the Auditor General stated that special attention should be extended not only towards financial audit but also at the performance of institutions. He also pointed out that opening the committee to the media would facilitate the work the committee in a more efficient manner.

State Minister and the former Chairman of COPA Lasantha Alagiyawanna, mentioned that the Committee on Public Accounts of the 8th Parliament played a significant role. In further emphasis the former chairman stated an orderly mechanism to evaluate 844 state institutions was introduced and it is imperative to continue the same it going forward. He also stressed that the revenue earning institutions should be brought before the committee and inspected immediately. Accordingly, summoning the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and Excise Department before COPA on the 03rd, 04th and 05th of November was decided conclusively.

Speaking at the meeting the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Tikiri K. Jayatilleke said that steps will be taken to strengthen the relationship between the Parliament and the Committees further. Adding to it he also stated that the Committee should focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Prasanna Ranaweera, Tissa Attanayake, Niroshan Perera, Faisal Qasim, Ashok Abeysinghe, Buddhika Pathirana, Cader Mastan, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Prof. Ranjith Bandara and Dr. Harini Amarasuriya were present at the meeting.