2021-11-19
News Categories : Committee News
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) disclosed that 214 employees recruited in 2018 for the project of issuing one million deeds by the Land Reforms Commission have been confirmed without the permission of the Department of Management Services. It was revealed that the recruitments were made on a contract basis with the approval of the Cabinet and since then, the group has been confirmed on the basis of a circular issued in 2014. COPE Chairman (Prof.) Charitha Herath pointed out that a serious error had been made by confirming a group of recruits who were recruited for a project without the permission of the Department of Management Services and that this situation set a wrong precedent for other government agencies as well.
Accordingly, the COPE Chairman instructed the Mr. R.A.A.K. Ranawaka, Secretary to the Ministry of Lands and Land Development to conduct a formal investigation at the Ministerial level and submit a full report to the COPE within a month and to take immediate action to rectify this situation.
These facts were disclosed at the COPE meeting held chaired by Prof. (Prof.) Charitha Herath recently (17) to examine the Auditor General's reports for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the current performance of the Land Reforms Commission.
The COPE Chairman pointed out that the extent of lands acquired during land acquisition by the Land Reforms Commission established under the Land Reforms Act No. 01 of 1972 and the lack of accurate data on the lands which were disposed by each government during the period was a serious concern. It was revealed that the Commission now owns nearly 1.7 million acres of land and that value is not accurate. The Secretary to the Ministry of Lands and Land Development pointed out that this was due to the lack of proper surveying during the acquisition of lands and the transfer of lands under various governments.
The Committee pointed out that since it is essential for the Commission to have accurate data as well as valuation on these lands which are the main assets of the Commission, it is essential that the lands be properly assessed and a definite document with a basis be prepared in this regard. The COPE Chairman instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to prepare an expeditious program and inform the COPE on the possibility of using modern drone technology for this purpose.
The Committee stressed the need to digitize the data on these lands using modern technology. The committee pointed out that it would solve many problems, including various irregularities, and instructed the Secretary to intervene immediately.
The Chairman of the Land Commission stated that some files pertaining to the acquisition have been lost. It was revealed that nearly 200 such files have been lost. The Chairman instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to look into this matter immediately.
The Committee emphasized the need to rectify this situation as land grabbing by people has become a serious problem instead of putting it to more effective use. It was also revealed that out of the lands acquired under the Land Reforms Act of 1972-1974, there are 260 unoccupied 50-acre lands due to non-submission of plans and declarations. Accordingly, the Committee instructed the Secretary to the Ministry and the Chairman of the Land Commission to open a special window and intervene to resolve this issue within the next six months as this process which has been delayed for 50 years has become a historical issue.
Though the valuation of nearly 1.7 million acres of land owned by the Commission many years ago was mentioned Rs. 676 million, the committee pointed out that the value should be corrected according to the present status. As the value of an acre is around Rs. 500, the COPE Chairman instructed the Chairman of the Land Commission to take necessary action within six months to rectify this problem immediately.
It was also revealed that after leasing the lands of the Commission, it has become a problem to obtain loans by mortgaging those lands to the banks. It was revealed that this occurs due to the fact that the businessmen have the ability to obtain a mortgage with the permission of the Commission as stated in the terms of the transfer of the land they have obtained. There was also a question as to whether certain lands would be utilized effectively after being handed over to the Divisional Secretaries.
Commenting on this, the COPE Chairman said that the main task at present is to identify the extent of assets owned by the Commission and to prepare a model for its effective organization. Prof. Herath said that as this is a matter of national interest, the committee will be reconvened in the future to work out a definite plan with the stakeholders including the Survey Department.
Hon. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Hon. State Minister Indika Anuruddha, Hon. Members of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka, (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, Eran Wickramaratna, Nalin Bandara, Madhura Withanage were present at the committee meeting.
2026-03-24
The Select Committee of Parliament to conduct a comprehensive study on the lack of preparedness to face Cyclone Ditwah and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, met for the first time on 19.03.2026 at Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Minister (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa.Addressing the meeting, the Chair emphasized the importance of gaining a clear understanding of how the relevant responsible institutions operate during natural disasters such as Cyclone Ditwah, in order to effectively carry forward the work of the Committee. Accordingly, it was decided to summon officials from the Disaster Management Centre, the Department of Meteorology, the Department of Irrigation, and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka to the next two committee meetings to obtain the necessary preliminary briefings.It was also proposed that, given the subject-specific scope of the Committee, officials possessing technical expertise and specialized knowledge in relevant fields should be called before the Committee from time to time to assist in understanding complex technical matters. The Chair noted that the Committee is required to submit its report to Parliament within three months from the date of its first meeting by 19.06.2026. Accordingly, efforts will be made to hold meetings promptly and prepare the report, including relevant recommendations, within this timeframe. He further stated that, in addition to proposals related to the Committee’s scope, the report is expected to include recommendations aimed at establishing a stronger mechanism to effectively respond to future events similar to Cyclone Ditwah.The meeting was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament Anuradha Jayaratne (Attorney-at-Law), Hector Appuhamy, Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, M.K.M. Aslam, Anushka Thilakaratne (Attorney-at-Law), Kanthasamy Prabhu, Ruwan Mapalagama, and (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam. Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa also attended with the special permission of the Chair.
2026-03-24
Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. (Dr.) Hansaka Wijemuni, stated that disability should be viewed not only from a medical perspective but also from social and human rights perspectives. He made these remarks while participating in an awareness programme on service delivery for persons with disabilities, held on 20th March 2026, at the auditorium of the National Epilepsy Centre of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL).Although Sri Lanka has made some progress in this area compared to other countries in the region, he noted that persons with disabilities still face numerous physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers when accessing healthcare services. He emphasized that the government is committed to implementing necessary policy changes to identify social barriers, enhance awareness, and bring about attitudinal change. He also highlighted the importance of providing health information in multiple accessible formats for persons with disabilities.The Deputy Minister further stressed the importance of systematically sensitizing healthcare staff to deliver services based on equality and dignity, going beyond the traditional medical model. He also appreciated the contribution made by the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities in this regard.This programme was the second in a series of awareness programmes conducted at the ministry level as part of the action plan of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities. The workshop aimed to educate officials on inclusive service delivery within the health sector and was organized by the Caucus with the support of the Australian Government and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva, stated that this series of awareness programmes is a step towards ensuring an “unrestricted social life” for persons with disabilities. While appreciating the country’s free healthcare system, he pointed out that more than 1.6 million persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka still face physical and attitudinal barriers in accessing healthcare services. He emphasized that access to healthcare is a fundamental right linked to the right to life.He further proposed that a new perspective on disability, along with a specialized module, should be included in the curricula of medical and nursing colleges to ensure that future healthcare professionals are sensitized from the early stages of their training.Deputy Co-Chair of the Caucus, Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, President of the Disability Organizations Joint Front (DOJF), Ashoka Weerawardena, Professor Chamari Weeraratne of the Department of Pharmacology, University of Colombo, Deputy Director General of Health Services (Public Health), Dr. Vindya Kumarapeli, Director of the Youth, Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Unit of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Nishani Ubeysekara and representatives of the disabled community also shared their views.Several key issues were raised during the discussion, including the lack of sign language interpreters at hospital counters, difficulties faced due to high counters and surgical beds, the absence of toilets with commode facilities, and privacy concerns caused by “saloon-style doors” in accessible toilets. The need for priority identification cards for persons with intellectual disabilities who find it difficult to wait in queues was also highlighted.Officials noted that steps are being taken to develop infrastructure under World Bank and Asian Development Bank assistance, including accessibility features such as ramps, accessible toilets, and dedicated pharmacy counters. It was also revealed that pilot “Support Centers” staffed with personnel trained in basic sign language are being planned for primary hospitals.At the conclusion of the programme, it was proposed that persons with disabilities themselves should be employed at these Support Centers to ensure more effective, experience-based service delivery. Agreement was reached to take prompt follow-up action within the Ministry of Health on practical recommendations related to staff sensitization and the standardization of infrastructure.The programme was attended by officials of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities, Programme Officer of IFES Ms. Anojitha Sivaskaran and other representatives of the organization, as well as representatives from institutions and organizations working with persons with disabilities.
2026-03-24
The Committee focused on obstacles, challenges, and issues related to the administration of national parks in Sri Lanka Attention was given to issues concerning the licensing of fishing nets and other equipment used by the fishing community The Committee also examined issues related to the government’s paddy purchasing process and price determination over the past few years The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability met in Parliament on 04.03.2026 and 05.03.2026 under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy. During these meetings, discussions were held with officials from relevant institutions on several sectors requiring timely attention.Accordingly, the Committee held extensive discussions on the challenges, obstacles, and issues related to the administration of national parks in Sri Lanka, issues concerning the licensing of fishing nets and other equipment used by the fishing community and matters relating to how successive governments have carried out the paddy purchasing process and determined prices in recent years.Following discussions on national parks in Sri Lanka, the Committee recommended that a comprehensive report containing all relevant information on these parks be submitted. The Committee also decided to conduct inspection visits to the relevant national parks in order to identify existing issues and propose solutions, along with engaging in discussions with the necessary officials.The Committee also paid extensive attention to fishing nets and other equipment used by the fishing community. The Chair recommended that a report be submitted regarding fish imported into the country as raw material for canned fish production in recent years.Furthermore, the Committee focused on issues related to the paddy purchasing process carried out by governments over the past few years and the determination of prices. In this regard, the Committee recommended that a report be submitted including data for 2023, 2024, and 2025 on the total extent of cultivated land in the country, the extent actually cultivated, and the reasons for lands not being cultivated.Members of the Committee were present at these meetings.
2026-03-24
The Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament on the matter of selecting the Electoral System under which the Provincial Council Elections should be held and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard, met for the first time on 17th March 2026 at Parliament, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister Vijitha Herath.Addressing the Committee, the Chairman pointed out that a legal impediment has arisen in conducting Provincial Council Elections due to the failure to complete the delimitation process required for the implementation of the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system introduced under the provisions of the Act No. 17 of 2017, which amended the Provincial Councils Elections Act.Members representing the Opposition, expressing their views, highlighted that a majority of key public institutions, including those in the education and health sectors, are administered through Provincial Councils. They pointed out that the absence of Provincial Councils for nearly nine years has led to numerous issues. Accordingly, the Opposition members proposed that the elections be held under the previous Proportional Representation system, and that necessary steps be taken thereafter to amend the electoral system.The Chairman emphasized the importance of fostering a broader and more in-depth dialogue in formulating an electoral system that ensures mandatory representation of women and provides opportunities for youth representation in Local Government Elections.Highlighting the importance of obtaining a preliminary understanding of the existing legal framework relating to the conduct of these elections, the Chairman proposed that officials from the Attorney General’s Department and the Election Commission be summoned to the next meeting to obtain their views.The Chairman also reminded that the Committee is required to submit its report within three months from the date of its inaugural meeting.The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Ministers Arun Hemachandra, Sunil Watagala, and Munir Mulaffer, as well as Members of Parliament R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Mano Ganesan, Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, Nizam Kariapper PC, Chandana Sooriyarachchi, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, and Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.
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