2023-09-20
News Categories : Committee News
Hon. Wajira Abeywardana stated that when the Central Bank declared financial bankruptcy, an entire country failed.
The Member of Parliament stated the above when the Select Committee of Parliament to Investigate Causes for Financial Bankruptcy declared by the Government and to Report to Parliament and Submit its Proposals and Recommendations in this regard met recently (Sep. 15) Chaired by Hon. Sagara Kariyawasam in Parliament.
Hon. Wajira Abeywardana and the former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal were called before the Committee.
The statements made by the Member of Parliament Hon. Wajira Abeywardana on September 1st, 2022 and February 10th, 2023 regarding financial bankruptcy were inquired at the Committee meeting held.
Addressing the Committee Hon. Wajira Abeywardana pointed out that according to the Constitution, the power of financial control vets with the Parliament and because of follwoing a wrong process, the Central Bank declared the country's financial bankruptcy on 12.04.2022. The Parliamentarian pointed out that as a result of this, the whole country fell into trouble.
Hon. Wajira Abeywardana pointed out that in the first quarter of 2022, $3.9 billion was to be paid and by April 8th, 2022, $3.2 billion had been paid. He pointed out that by April 12th, about 70 million dollars had to be paid to China and in that context, the Central Bank declared financial bankruptcy on April 12th effortlessly. The Parliamentarian pointed out that this is a wrong process and this should not have happened and there was potential to get support from the private sector and pay this amount. As a result, he pointed out that a large number of officials of the Central Bank are responsible for the situation in the country and certain individuals were not standing by Sri Lanka at that point in time. Therefore, the Member of Parliament further mentioned that people who stand with Sri Lanka should be given a high chair.
He also quoted a statement made by the current President, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, on April 8th, 2022, when he was a Member of Parliament. He also commented on the submission of about 70 amendments to the recently presented Central Bank Act by the Supreme Court.
Addressing the Committee, the former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal pointed out that the declaration of financial bankruptcy was the result of a long-term effort by several groups. The new Central Bank Governor declared financial bankruptcy on the first day of his appointment, i.e. April 12th, he said. He also pointed out that this is a declaration of debt default made without any national or institutional level discussion.
The former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal pointing out 3 main points in particular and accordingly, indicated that the announcement of financial bankruptcy on April 12th, 2022, how the bankruptcy took place and the fall in the value of the rupee will be discussed here. He explained at length how the declaration of financial bankruptcy was made on April 12th, 2022, and stated that he would elaborate on the other two points on a future date due to time constraints.
The Committee Chair, Hon. Sagara Kariyawasam, stated that there is an opinion that the governor of the Central Bank ran away at a difficult time for the country and he needs to give an explanation in this regard. Former Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that on 03.04.2022, all the Cabinet Ministers met and took a decision to resign from the Cabinet and because he was also present at this occasion, he too felt obligated to take the same decision. But he pointed out that it does not amount to running away.
The Committee Chair, Member of Parliament Hon. Sagara Kariyawasam stated that it is important to get a good understanding regarding this matter so that something like this does not happen in the future.
Minister Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, Members of Parliament Hon. S. B. Dissanayake, Hon. Jayantha Ketagoda, Hon. (Dr.) Major Pradeep Undugoda, Hon. Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Hon. Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda were present at the Committee meeting held.
2026-05-19
Officials of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) informed the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs that a decision has been taken to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 10,000/- for children aged between 2 and 13 years of parents employed overseas, if those children are enrolled in daycare centres.The officials made these remarks during the Committee meeting chaired by Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, with the participation of Hon. Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs (Dr.) Namal Sudarshana.The officials of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment made these comments while responding to inquiries regarding the progress of directives previously issued by the Committee to the Bureau’s General Manager (Local Affairs) concerning social issues arising due to mothers of young children leaving overseas for employment. Accordingly, the officials stated that the allowance would be granted to families where the monthly income of parents employed overseas exceeds USD 400, and that an initial allocation of Rs. 10 million has been set aside for the programme.They further stated that the approval process related to the initiative is currently in its final stage, following which monthly payments could be made to the relevant registered daycare centres through District Secretariat offices. Hon. Minister (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Chairperson of the Committee, emphasized that steps should be taken to raise public awareness regarding this initiative, which she described as a highly positive measure.The Committee also discussed the progress of filling vacancies for female police officers, as previously instructed during an earlier Committee meeting. It was revealed that applications have now been called to recruit 50 female Sub-Inspectors of Police and 2,600 female Police Constables. An officer representing the Sri Lanka Police informed the Committee that special promotional campaigns have also been launched through social media to recruit female police officers who can speak Tamil.The Chairperson of the Committee further stressed the need to pay special attention to existing vacancies for Public Health Midwives who can speak Tamil. She also instructed officials to take steps to raise awareness among students who have completed their G.C.E Advanced Level education in the Tamil medium regarding these opportunities.The Chairperson also inquired into the progress of establishing a national data system by consolidating all data relating to children in Sri Lanka currently maintained by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, the National Child Protection Authority, and other institutions. She noted that, with the intervention of the Ministry of Digital Economy, the process of developing the data system is expected to be completed within this year.The Committee also emphasized the need for all relevant institutions to act in close coordination to facilitate the swift implementation of the law in cases of child abuse and to manage subsequent situations effectively. Accordingly, Hon. Minister (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj pointed out that officials representing Divisional Secretariat offices, the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, the National Child Protection Authority, the Sri Lanka Police, and all other relevant institutions should work collaboratively as a single team.The Chairperson further stated that incidents of abuse against women and children, delays in taking action, or any shortcomings could be reported directly to her at any time via telephone or WhatsApp, and assured that prompt intervention would be made.The Minister also stated that it is expected to propose, in next year’s budget, measures to increase the allowance for preschool teachers, provide free breakfast to every preschool child, and introduce a contributory pension scheme for preschool teachers.Attention was also drawn to practical issues arising in the transfer of women employed in government service, as well as matters relating to the regulation of preschools and daycare centres.In addition, Members of Parliament brought to the attention of the Committee various issues relating to women and children’s affairs, and the Committee instructed officials to inquire into those matters and take the necessary action.A group of officials, including Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs (Mrs.) W.M.D.T. Wickramasinghe, also attended the Committee meeting.
2026-05-15
A Parliamentary delegation of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, headed by Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, MP, Minister of Women and Child Affairs is currently undertaking an official visit to India from 10th to 16th May 2026 at the invitation of the Indian High Commission, Sri Lanka.The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding Parliamentary, cultural and bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India while promoting closer cooperation on matters relating to women’s empowerment, Parliamentary affairs, social development and gender-responsive governance.The delegation paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Parliament House Complex and also held discussions with Hon. Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, where both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation.The programme further included interactions with the Ministry of Women and Child Development of India, during which the Sri Lankan delegation paid a courtesy call on Hon. Annpurna Devi, Minister for Women and Child Development and held fruitful discussions on women’s empowerment programmes, child welfare initiatives, gender-responsive policies, and opportunities for enhanced cooperation and exchange of best practices between the two countries.The delegation also met with the Commissioner of Delhi Police and held productive discussions on best practices and effective strategies adopted in preventing and addressing crimes against women and children, with particular focus on women’s and children's safety, protection mechanisms, legal enforcement and community awareness initiatives.The delegation held discussions with women-led self-help groups and representatives of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO).During the visit, the delegation is participating in a comprehensive programme organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Parliament of India. The programme includes sessions on the Indian Parliamentary system, committee system, Parliamentary privileges and ethics, as well as discussions on women-led development initiatives and best practices adopted by India in addressing issues relating to women and children.A meeting with the Chief Minister of New Delhi and visit significant cultural and historical sites, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra is also scheduled for the delegation during the coming days. The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka continues to play an important role in advocating gender equality, women’s empowerment and social inclusion through Parliamentary engagement and outreach initiatives.The delegation comprises fifteen Hon. Women Members of Parliament (Mrs.) Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, (Mrs.) Oshani Umanga, (Ms.) Krishnan Kalaichelvi, (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law, (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law, (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani, (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law, (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law, (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law, (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe, (Mrs.) Hasara Liyanage, Attorney-at-Law, (Ms.) Ambika Samivel, (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law, (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney-at-Law. Delegation also included senior Parliamentary officials, including Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament and Secretary to the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, along with Ms. Hashmi Fernandopulle, Assistant Principal Officer, Ms. Chamila Nissanga, Senior Parliamentary Interpreter and Mr. Ranil Nanayakkara, Senior Assistant Parliamentary Protocol Officer.
2026-05-15
A strong internal audit process is essential for the wellbeing of State-Owned Enterprises – COPE Chairman Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera emphasizes while addressing Chief Financial Officers and Internal Audit Officers of SOEsChairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, recently emphasized that a strong internal audit mechanism is essential for the wellbeing of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), while addressing Chief Financial Officers and Internal Audit Officers of SOEs.He made these remarks while addressing a workshop organized by the COPE, with the sponsorship of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), at the Monarch Imperial Hotel premises in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, aimed at strengthening internal auditing and financial oversight within SOEs.Addressing the gathering, the COPE Chairman pointed out that active intervention is required to eliminate the existing disorganized conditions within the state enterprise sector, and stressed that officials accountable to the State are expected to demonstrate a high level of performance. He further noted that a successful workshop had previously been conducted for heads of all SOEs, and that this programme for Internal Audit Officers and Chief Financial Officers had been organized with the objective of strengthening financial discipline and internal audit processes across all institutions.The Chairman also stated that since there are 457 State - Owned Enterprises, it is practically difficult to summon all institutions before the COPE. Therefore, he said that efforts are being made to introduce a digital mechanism to monitor and evaluate the performance of those institutions.Auditor General Ms. Samudika Jayaratne delivered a lecture on “The State Auditor and Public Institutions: Roles, Responsibilities and Collaborations.” She pointed out that public funds belong to the people and therefore must be managed properly for the benefit of the public. She further emphasized the importance of maintaining proper financial discipline and internal auditing systems while extending support to the state audit process.In addition, Director General of the Department of Management Audit, Mr. A.P. Kurumbalapitiya, delivered a lecture on “The Role of Internal Audit Unit in Ensuring Public Accountability,” while former Auditor General and Advisor to the COPE and COPA Committees, Mr. Sarath Mayadunne, delivered a lecture on “The Role of State-Owned Enterprises within the Public Accountability Structure in Sri Lanka.”Participants were also given the opportunity to raise questions related to the subject area. Discussions included the need to make the position of Internal Auditor more independent by having it report to the Ministry Secretary rather than placing it under the head of the respective institution.M. Jayalath Perera, the Director Legislative Services of Parliament, Internal Audit Officers and Heads of Finance Divisions from nearly 300 State-Owned Enterprises participated in the workshop.
2026-04-29
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, called officials from the Department of Meteorology and the Disaster Management Centre to appear before it.These matters were discussed when the Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of the Hon. minister (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa. The meeting was attended by a group of senior officials from the respective institutions, including the Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Mr. Athula Karunanayake, and the Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, Major General (Retd) Sampath Kotuwegoda.During the meeting, the Committee inquired into how the Department of Meteorology and the Disaster Management Centre operate as primary responding institutions during natural disasters.Officials also clarified the shortcomings in the existing system as well as deficiencies in the relevant technical equipment.It was also decided to summon officials from the Department of Irrigation and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka before the Committee in the future to examine how those institutions function as primary responding bodies, and subsequently to call these institutions separately to investigate incidents related to Cyclone “Ditwah.”The meeting was attended by the Committee members including Hon. Deputy Ministers Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara, and Anton Jayakodi, as well as Hon. Members of Parliament Attorney at Law Anuradha Jayaratne, Hector Appuhamy, Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, M.K.M. Aslam, Attorney at Law Anushka Thilakaratne, Kandasamy Prabhu, Ruwan Mapalagama, and (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam.
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