2023-10-13
News Categories : Committee News
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.
2026-07-08
The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved the submission to Parliament of a Resolution under the Customs Ordinance and two Orders under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act, following its consideration.The decision was taken at a meeting of the Committee held in Parliament on 6th July, chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva.Accordingly, the Committee considered the Resolution published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2478/03 under the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), as well as the Orders published in Extraordinary Gazette Nos. 2478/04 and 2479/38 under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act. Officials representing the Ministry of Finance, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) attended the meeting.In line with the 2026 Budget proposal to implement the National Tariff Policy, the existing customs import duty rates of 0%, 15% and 20% on imported goods have been restructured into a four-band system of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%, effective 1 April 2026.Committee discussions emphasized that these amendments are not merely changes to tax rates, but mark the beginning of implementing a National Tariff Policy that will shape Sri Lanka's trade and investment environment over the coming decade. Officials explained that the principal objective of the policy is to establish a scientific and predictable tariff structure that will enable Sri Lanka to integrate more effectively into global supply chains.Under the policy, a new four-band tariff structure based on the United Nations Broad Economic Categories (BEC Revision 5) classification is proposed, requiring the reclassification of numerous HS tariff codes. The new tariff framework will classify imports under four principal categories—capital goods, intermediate goods, sensitive intermediate goods, and consumer goods—while also balancing the objectives of protecting domestic industries and maintaining stable government revenue.It was also revealed that, to provide relief to the construction sector, the current effective import tax rate on ceramic tiles, which stands at approximately 85–90%, will be reduced in stages to 20% by 2029. This is expected to lower construction costs and encourage investment in housing and infrastructure.The Government also proposes introducing new national tariff sub-categories for various sectors in response to requests from domestic industries.Officials further noted that the Government aims to gradually phase out para-tariffs such as the CESS and the Ports and Airports Levy (PAL) by 2029, moving towards a simpler tariff regime. The Committee also advised officials to consider measures to mitigate any adverse impacts that may arise from tariff liberalization.It was noted that these tax reforms are expected to support the Export Development Board's objective of doubling Sri Lanka's export earnings from US$18 billion to US$36 billion over the next five years. The policy is also expected to provide a strong foundation for integrating Sri Lanka into global supply chains, particularly in the electronics, rubber products, pharmaceuticals, and information technology sectors.The Committee also expressed serious concern over delays in updating trade data. The Chair observed that the Department of Trade and Investment Policy's trade database had not been updated since 2021, and instructed the relevant officials to update all trade data and related information required for evidence-based policymaking within one week.The Gazette notifications are scheduled to be debated in Parliament today (8 July), following which they are expected to be submitted for Parliamentary approval.The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Hon. Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathna, and Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, and Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.
2026-07-08
Hon. Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake stated that the Government will introduce a Cluster Bus Company System to improve public transportation, adding that Cabinet approval for the initiative was recently granted.The Minister made these remarks yesterday (7th July) while chairing the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Transport, Highways and Urban Development in Parliament.He further stated that the scheme will initially be implemented as a pilot project on bus routes 177, 170 and 190.The Minister also said that the previous four categories of bus services; normal, semi-luxury, luxury and super-luxury have been streamlined by removing the semi-luxury and super-luxury categories. Referring to the Semi-Luxury category, the Minister stated that a related court case is currently pending and that the relevant facts will be presented before the court.Minister Rathnayake further pointed out that it is not equitable to apply a single fare formula to both long-distance and short-distance bus services. Given the higher operating costs associated with long-distance services, a separate methodology will be introduced to determine fares for long-distance buses. He emphasized that the Government is committed to safeguarding both the bus industry and passengers.The Chair of the Committee also sought clarification from officials on whether bus fares could be reduced following recent fuel price decreases. Officials explained that although fuel prices have declined, other operating costs remain high, limiting the scope for fare reductions.The Committee also discussed a range of issues including reducing road accidents, establishing dedicated lanes for bicycles and motorcycles, road development projects, and complaints from passengers regarding the failure to receive correct change from bus conductors. Officials were instructed to take the necessary action on these matters.The Chair further directed officials to intervene promptly to resolve issues raised by Members of Parliament relating to the transport and urban development sectors.The Committee also agreed that regulations made by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development under the Motor Traffic Act (No. 203), and published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2480/22 dated 19 March 2026, should be submitted to Parliament for approval following the Committee's consideration.The regulations extend the concessionary period granted for fitting seat belts to seats in vehicles travelling on expressways where seat belts were not originally installed by the manufacturer. As the Committee observed that the previous grace period was insufficient, it has been extended from 20 March 2026 until 19 June 2026.The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, several Members of Parliament, and officials representing the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.
2026-07-07
The current progress of tourism promotion projects being implemented in various parts of the country, as well as the proposed budgetary allocations for next year aimed at further developing the tourism sector, were discussed at length during the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.The discussion took place when the Committee met recently at Parliament under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Hon. Vijitha Herath.During the meeting, the Committee also reviewed the current status of Sri Lanka's trade agreements with foreign countries. The Chair informed members that a special committee has been appointed to review the country's foreign trade agreements, and that necessary policy decisions will be taken after its report is received.Members of Parliament also presented a number of proposals for new projects and programmes that could be implemented in different parts of the island to further promote the tourism industry.The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Hon. Arun Hemachandra, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, and Members of Parliament serving on the Consultative Committee.
2026-06-25
The report submitted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) regarding the disappearance of USD 2.5 million that had been held by the Treasury for the repayment of state debt was discussed at a recent meeting of the Committee.The meeting was held in Parliament on the 23rd June under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva, with the participation of Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, and Nishantha Jayaweera, as well as Hon. Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Rauff Hakeem, Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Ajith Alahakoon, Nimal Palihena, Attorney-at-Law Chithral Fernando, Wijesiri Basnayake, Champika Hettiarachchi, M.K.M. Aslam, and Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.The report submitted by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to the Committee on Public Finance on the 8th regarding the disappearance of USD 2.5 million was subsequently examined by officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Following this review, the Central Bank submitted a report containing its observations and views to the Committee.Extensive discussions were held on the report presented by the Central Bank. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance stated that, after considering both the report submitted by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the report submitted by the Central Bank, a final report would be prepared and presented to Parliament in due course.Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Varuna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy; Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and officials of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) were also preset at the meeting.
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