Parliament debates COPE report on bond issue

The report compiled by the Commitee on Public Enterprises (COPE) regarding the Treasury Bond issue was taken up for debate in Parliament this morning.

Chief Opposition Whip and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake opened the debate. He said while he did not wish to vilify the reputation of anyone, he would "call a thief a thief."

Accusing the Government of attempting to cover up the alleged bond scam, the JVP Leader also expressed skepticism that the Government would carry out an impartial investigation into the alleged scam. He requested the Speaker to personally look into the matter as chair of the Constitutional Council. 

MP Wimal Weerawansa, who is currently in remand custody over alleged misuse of state vehicles, was also present in Parliament and is taking part in today's debate.

United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Priyankara Jayaratne, who recently resigned from his position as a State Minister, sat in the opposition benches in Parliament along with MPs from the Joint Opposition.  

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