2023-10-13
The Elkaduwa Plantation Ltd was summoned before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) which met on 06.10.2023 Chaired by Hon. (Prof.) Ranjith Bandara, Member of Parliament.
The Auditor General's report and current performance for the years 2018 and 2019 were examined at the Committee meeting held.
Attention was paid to the following;
The cost of litigation for the theft of two kilos of pepper worth Rs.400 is Rs. 274,000, COPE reveal
It was disclosed that the cost of litigation for the theft of two kilos of pepper worth Rs.400 is Rs. 274,000. The COPE Members who were present inquired on the matter to which the officials present, accepted that this is true. However, the officials pointed out that this case was filed around the year 2014. They mentioned that the current officials in the institution have no relation to the matter. Accordingly, COPE was of the view that necessary action should be taken against the officials who were involved in the filing of this case. Furthermore, the COPE Chair mentioned that the officials including the Board of Directors during this period will be summoned before COPE in the future.
Focus on the unpaid Employees' Provident Funds and Employees' Trust Funds to the employees of the institution
COPE drew its attention to the unpaid employees' provident funds and employees' trust funds, to the institution’s employees. Accordingly, it was disclosed that from the year 2022 to the year 2016, employees' trust funds of 9,284,933 rupees, employee provident funds of 113,618,008 rupees, provident funds of plantation workers of 5,828,972 rupees and provident funds of Ceylon planters of 8,370,625 rupees have not been paid. The officials present mentioned that 215 million rupees out of this amount have been paid within the last 3 years. The officials mentioned that the remainder will also be paid monthly in future. Accordingly recommended to give the COPE Committee an accurate plan on how to pay this amount within 3 months.
Thus, COPE recommended to provide an accurate plan on how to pay this amount within 3 months.
COPE looks into to how the money collected from those who visit the Sembuwatta Estate reservoir is used
COPE paid attention on how the money collected from those who visit the Sembuwatta Estate reservoir is been used. It was also mentioned that the amount of money collected from the people visiting the reservoir through tickets is approximately 4 million rupees per month. Officials present stated that they are working to credit this money to a separate account. Accordingly, the Committee Chair recommended that a report be given to COPE in this regard.
COPE looks into the recruitment of an unqualified official for the post of HR Manager on contract basis
Attention was also drawn on the recruitment of an official who did not meet the qualifications for the position of Human Resource Manager under contract basis. Furthermore, COPE pointed out that there are a lot of allegations of corruption and irregularities related to this official. The officials present here pointed out that this officer was appointed in the year 2019 and the current Chairman was not involved in this appointment. Furthermore, the officials who were present mentioned that this person is on bail related to 136 cases. Accordingly, COPE decided to summon the chairman and the officials who were present during the period when this appointment was made.
Attention paid regarding the non-appointment of a permanent officer for the post of General Manager
COPE also drew its attention to the non-appointment of a permanent officer for the post of General Manager. The officials who were present mentioned that even when the new management was appointed, an Acting General Manager was covering the service.
However, due to the economic situation in the country during the last period, it was not possible to make this appointment, the officials said. Accordingly, the officials stated that this appointment will be made within the next 2 to 3 months.
Focus in respect of functioning and defunct factories owned by the company.
COPE also looked into the functioning of the factories owned by the company and the factories which were defunct. The officials present here pointed out that two factories have been leased and it will cost a lot of money to re-operate the factories that were closed 20 to 25 years ago. Furthermore, the officials informed that there is a litigation related to the factory.
Furthermore, COPE inquired regarding the delay in financial reports. Furthermore, within 4 months, this institution will be summoned before COPE, the COPE Chair said.
State Ministers Hon. Shantha Bandara, Hon. Indika Anuruddha Herath, Members of Parliament Hon. Eran Wickramaratne, Hon. S. M. Marikkar, Hon. Sanjeeva Edirimanna, Hon. Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Hon. Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha, Hon. M. Rameshwaran, Hon. (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya, Hon. Madhura Withanage were present at the Committee meeting held here.
2026-11-06
The Parliamentary Caucus for Youth discussed how to strengthen engagement between young people and Parliament and advance future initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation.The Caucus met recently at Parliament under the chairmanship of, Hon. Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, where members exchanged views on the matter.Discussions also focused on several proposals, including a proposal on youth entrepreneurship and industrial development prepared by Hon. Member of Parliament Oshani Umanga; a proposal on empowering youth within local government authorities, prepared by Hon. Member of Parliament, Attorney-at-Law Hiruni Wijesinghe; and a proposal on a policy framework for youth in the plantation and cultivation sectors, prepared by Hon. Member of Parliament Ambika Samivel.Furthermore, extensive discussions were held on proposals prepared by the Caucus's Deputy Co-Chairs, Hon. Members of Parliament Lasith Bashana Gamage, Thanura Dissanayake and Attorney-at-Law Bhagya Sri Herath, concerning an external youth engagement programme and a series of pilot workshops.It was also decided to further study these proposals, which could be implemented for the benefit of young people, and finalize them following further consideration.Several members of the Caucus and other invitees were present at the meeting.
2026-11-05
The Trusts (Amendment) Bill, which is scheduled to be taken up for its Second Reading in Parliament today (Nov. 05), has received the approval of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection.The Bill was discussed and approved when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection met yesterday (04) under the chairmanship of its Chair, Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika.The Bill, which seeks to amend the Trusts Ordinance (Chapter 87), was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 21 October 2026 by the Hon. Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara.Officials from the Legal Draftsman’s Department and the Ministry of Justice briefed the Committee on the amendments proposed under the Bill.Hon. Members of Parliament Ajith P. Perera, President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha, Major General (Retired) G. D. Sooriyabandara and Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, among others, attended the Committee meeting.
2026-11-04
A special national programme was successfully conducted islandwide on the 2nd of November, under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Ministry of Health, with the aim of promoting early detection of breast cancer, one of the most commonly reported cancers among women in Sri Lanka, and raising public awareness about the disease. Awareness and screening programmes were organized at several Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices across the districts represented by women Members of Parliament. The programmes were attended by women Members of Parliament, including Hon. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.In Sri Lanka, approximately 17 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, with around 6,000 new cases reported annually. Furthermore, more than 1,000 deaths occur each year due to the disease, equivalent to approximately three lives lost every day.Breast cancer can be completely cured if detected at an early stage. However, delays in seeking medical treatment due to fear, embarrassment or a lack of awareness have been identified as major challenges.All women should become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and carry out regular breast self-examinations. If any unusual changes are detected, it is important to seek medical advice without delay.Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. The government healthcare system provides free screening and other essential healthcare services.In addition, all women are encouraged to attend the Well Woman Clinic and undergo the recommended Pap test at the ages of 35 and 45. This screening helps detect precancerous changes at an early stage, thereby supporting the prevention of cervical cancer.
2026-11-03
A special meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education was held recently at the Parliament Complex, chaired by the Hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, to brief Members of Parliament on the revised National Curriculum Framework and the new education reform process.The meeting was attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, as well as a number of experts in the education sector, including representatives of the National Institute of Education (NIE).Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, stated that, in accordance with a Cabinet decision, a National Committee comprising subject experts had been appointed by April 2026 to oversee the education reforms. He further explained that five main subcommittees established under this committee would provide the necessary guidance and direction for the process.He also stated that, in accordance with the Cabinet decision, the new reforms are scheduled to be introduced for Grade 1 in 2026, and for Grades 6 and 2 in 2027. Preparations are currently underway, including teacher training programmes, the development of modules and printing of teacher guides, as well as plans to upgrade digital infrastructure in schools.During the meeting, Director General of the National Institute of Education, Professor O.G. Dayaratne, together with officials from the education sector, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the foundation of the new education reforms, the National Curriculum Framework, assessment methodologies and the proposed implementation plan.He explained that the process had commenced in 2019 and that the National Institute of Education had prepared the National Curriculum Framework in accordance with the new policy approved by the National Education Commission in 2023. He emphasized that the framework was the result of a collective effort involving several institutions. The Director General further stated that the country was introducing education reforms modelled on systems implemented in some of the world's most advanced countries.The Director General of the National Institute of Education emphasized that the fundamental objective of general education should not be limited to producing future workers to meet the demands of the labour market. Rather, it should focus on nurturing holistic and well-rounded citizens enriched with ethics, virtues and values, while developing a future generation capable of building the nation.A shift from the existing content-based education system to an outcome-based and student-centred approach is proposed under the reforms. He further explained that a new assessment framework had been developed to reduce the pressure of rote learning and examination-oriented education. Under this framework, students' progress will be evaluated through a credit-based modular system and continuous assessments conducted throughout the year.Flexible vocational pathways have also been developed to provide students with an understanding of different vocational fields from Grade 6 onwards. These pathways will enable students in Grades 12 and 13 to obtain vocational qualifications up to NVQ Level 4 or pursue higher education.A website named "RIES" has been launched to raise public awareness of the education reforms among the general public, teachers and parents. In addition, an island-wide awareness programme is being implemented in several phases.Addressing the meeting, the Hon. Prime Minister emphasized that the fundamental objective of education should not merely be to prepare children to become future members of the workforce, but also to nurture them into well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens who will contribute to nation-building.She also pointed out that decisions regarding challenges arising during the implementation of the reforms should not be based solely on personal perceptions or opinions. Instead, such decisions should be guided by scientific research and evidence.Members of Parliament who participated in the discussion raised questions and shared their views and proposals regarding the education reforms.It was further emphasized that the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, without any divisions or differences, were essential to the successful implementation of this important national undertaking.The meeting was also attended by Hon. Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, Hon. Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Director of Legislative Services Mr. Jayalath Perera, and several other officials.
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