2025-02-21
A decision was made to appoint a special COPE subcommittee to investigate irregularities that have taken place in the National Youth Services Council and its affiliated institutions in the past.
This decision was taken during a meeting of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), held yesterday (Feb. 20) at Parliament Chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, to review the Auditor General’s reports related to the National Youth Services Council and Sri Lanka Youth Services (Private) Limited for the years 2022 and 2023, the current performance, and the progress of implementing the recommendations made at the meeting of the Committee on Public Enterprises held on November 16, 2021.
COPE had also convened on the 18th to discuss this matter, during which numerous irregularities were disclosed. Accordingly, it was decided to summon the former chairpersons of the National Youth Services Council before COPE for further discussions. These discussions continued yesterday with the participation of the former chairpersons and relevant officials.
During this discussion, several financial irregularities and unethical practices were disclosed. As a result, the COPE Chair decided to appoint a special COPE subcommittee to investigate the irregularities that have taken place in the National Youth Services Council and its affiliated institutions. Accordingly, this special COPE subcommittee was appointed under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Chandima Hettiarachchi, including Hon. MPs Samanmalee Gunasinghe, Hon. Jagath Manuwarna, Sunil Rajapaksha, Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, and (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law, as its members. The subcommittee is expected to meet in the future, conduct the necessary investigations, and submit a report to COPE.
During the previous discussion, it was affirmed that a sum of approximately Rs. 188 million had been spent for the "Smart Youth Exhibition and Musical Show" and that the relevant cheques had been issued with the signature of the former Chairman of the National Youth Services Council the day before the Presidential Election. Since the former chairman had been summoned for questioning regarding this matter, he was inquired regarding the said. He stated that these payments were made for programs conducted three to four months prior and expressed surprise at claims by the officials that he had pressured them. A discussion at length was held on this matter, during which the officials pointed out that the former chairman had exerted pressure to certify these cheques between 2 p.m and 5 p.m on the respective date. Accordingly, the Committee pointed out that it is a confirmed fact that the former chairman had exerted influence in this regard.
It was also disclosed that the former Chairman of the National Youth Services Council had appointed a private secretary who did not meet the minimum qualifications required for the position. Officials pointed out that a degree was a mandatory requirement for this appointment. However, when the private secretary was asked to confirm his qualifications, he was unable to do so and subsequently resigned from the position. The private secretary, who was present at the discussion, stated that he was in the process of completing his degree but had not yet completed it. It was also disclosed that post resigning from this position, he had been appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Youth Services Council. Furthermore, provincial directors and other officials pointed out that this individual too had exerted influence on officials throughout various activities.
Additionally, discussions were held regarding the "Smart Youth Avurudu Festival" organized by the National Youth Services Council. It was disclosed that this program had been implemented without following proper procedures, and the COPE Chair pointed out that it was evident that all these activities had been carried out according to the will of the Chairman of the National Youth Services Council. The committee also questioned the involvement of suppliers in these activities, to which the former Chairman responded stating that he receives a large number of letters and thus forwarded them to the relevant divisions. He also stated that funds had been allocated for these programs by the Presidential Secretariat. However, COPE pointed out that it was evident that these procedures had been conducted in an irregular manner.
The Committee further disclosed that the National Youth Services Council had organized programs in support of the former President's election campaign. In response, the former Chairman stated that all previously planned programs were halted in accordance with the instructions of the Election Commission and that only the "Smart Fiesta" program, which focused solely on sports, was conducted in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat. However, members of COPE pointed out that the same program had been continued, but only under a different name. It was also disclosed that Rs. 4.3 million had been spent to produce a music program related to the "Smart Fiesta" event but that the National Youth Services Council had not received the corresponding video. The former Chairman, however, stated that the video had been handed over to the National Youth Services Council. COPE, therefore, recommended further investigation into this matter.
Additionally, attention was drawn to the National Youth Poson Zone and youth programmes held in Jaffna and Ampara. The Committee also focused on the involvement of the W. D. Weerasinghe Foundation in these events. Furthermore, discussions were held on the renovation of the Bellwood Aesthetic Centre and the construction of a new building, as well as the implementation of the recommendations provided by COPE in 2021 regarding these matters.
Following extensive discussions, the COPE Chair stated that he was dissatisfied with the manner in which the then Director of Finance had performed his duties. He further emphasized that public servants must fulfill their responsibilities correctly to ensure their own protection.
The following Hon. Members of Parliament were present at the Committee meeting held: M.K.M. Aslam, Samanmali Gunasinghe, Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, Sujeewa Dissanayake, (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah, Jagath Manuwarna, Ruwan Mapalagama, Sunil Rajapaksha, Darmapriya Wijesinghe, Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, Thilina Samarakoon, Chandima Hettiarachchi, and Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law.
2026-09-03
The Committee on Ways and Means of Parliament recently reviewed the operations of Sri Lanka Customs, including its revenue performance. The matter was considered when the Committee met recently under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Wijesiri Basnayake.Officials, including the Director General of Customs, informed the Committee that the expected Customs revenue as of June 30, 2026, was Rs. 1,060,559 million, while actual revenue collected by that date amounted to Rs. 1,379,084 million. This represented 130% achievement against the expected revenue target. Officials further informed the Committee that Customs had generated revenue exceeding the monthly targets in every month of the year to date, and that, compared with 2025, higher revenue performance had been recorded in each month.Providing information on vehicle imports in 2026, officials stated that 316,000 vehicles had been imported as of June 30, 2026, generating Rs. 512,547 million in tax revenue. According to the information presented to the Committee, the highest amount of tax revenue, Rs. 386,726 million, had been generated through the importation of motor vehicles.Furthermore, among the categories of commodities generating the highest Customs revenue, petrol motor cars less than 1,000cc ranked first, generating Rs. 137.4 billion. This represented 9.96% of total revenue.The Committee also focused on matters including the volume of imported containers and the procedures followed for their inspection, the introduction of modern technology to improve the efficiency of Sri Lanka Customs operations, challenges in revenue administration, and future plans.Several Members of the Committee on Ways and Means, together with officials representing the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Sri Lanka Customs, participated in the Committee meeting.
2026-09-03
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs focused its attention on a number of matters relating to ensuring public security, curbing illegal activities, and enhancing the efficiency of the police service.This was discussed when the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs met in Parliament on the Aug. 21st, under the chairmanship of Hon. Minister Ananda Wijepala.The Committee paid particular attention to measures taken by the Police to combat cybercrime, illegal online gambling activities and fraud. Officials stated that steps had been taken to block websites associated with illegal gambling and other unlawful activities.It was also revealed that legal action had been taken against foreign nationals residing in Sri Lanka who were engaged in illegal activities related to cybercrime. Officials further stated that arrangements had been made to deport such foreign nationals in coordination with the embassies of the respective countries.Officials appearing before the Committee stated that steps had been taken to recruit software engineers and lawyers to strengthen the human resources required for cybercrime investigations, particularly in terms of technical and legal expertise. They also noted that arrangements were being made to provide newly recruited officers with field training as well as the necessary overseas training.Discussions were also held on the need to introduce new technological systems and establish a centralized system capable of operating in real time in order to make investigations into cybercrime and financial fraud more efficient. It was particularly noted that necessary coordination measures were being undertaken to minimize existing barriers to sharing data with foreign institutions in relation to crimes involving the use of cryptocurrencies.Furthermore, extensive discussions were held on the current status of information received through Community Security Committees, measures to prevent sensitive information received through these committees from being disclosed externally, and further strengthening community policing services.In addition, the Committee emphasized the importance of expediting police investigations to curb illegal activities while upholding the rule of law, making greater use of modern technology, and obtaining further public support.A number of officials, together with Members of the Committee, participated in the Committee meeting.
2026-09-02
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations focused its attention on the “InSA” (Integrated Systematic Approach for the Family Development of Migrant Workers) Project, which is to be implemented to ensure the welfare of families and the protection of children of workers migrating for foreign employment.The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Committee held on the Aug. 21st, under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra.It was revealed at the meeting that the programme, which is to be implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to commence at the Divisional Secretariat level from October 1, 2026.It was stated that the primary objective of the programme is to develop family development plans focusing on key areas including the long-term financial management of families of migrant workers, child health and protection, employment training, and small business and export development.The Committee particularly emphasized the need to establish a formal plan for the care, protection and education of children when mothers with children between the ages of 2 and 18 migrate overseas, covering the period during which the mothers are abroad. Attention was also drawn to addressing mothers with children below the age of two in accordance with the existing legal and administrative procedures.The programme is expected to obtain the contribution of Child Rights Promotion Officers, who will provide necessary interventions concerning child protection and family welfare at three stages: prior to departure overseas, while the parent is overseas, and following the family's return to Sri Lanka.Accordingly, it was stated that Child Rights Promotion Officers will intervene to ensure that alternative care plans prepared for children can be practically implemented, identify situations involving risks, and prepare special care plans where necessary. Attention will also be given to providing psychosocial support, including strengthening family relationships, to families returning to Sri Lanka after living overseas.Furthermore, “InSA Committees” are to be established at the Divisional Secretariat level. These committees are expected to work under the chairmanship of the Assistant Divisional Secretary, together with Child Rights Promotion Officers, Early Childhood Development Officers and other relevant field officers, it was stated at the Committee meeting.It was also revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been proposed between the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment and the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs concerning child protection-related activities.The Committee also emphasized the importance of all workers leaving the country for foreign employment registering with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. As there may be difficulties in implementing welfare and protection programmes for the families of individuals who travel overseas through informal channels, including on tourist visas, due to the absence of official data on such persons, the Committee stressed the need to maintain a formal data system on workers departing the country for foreign employment.During the implementation of the programme, progress is to be monitored at the district level through District Secretaries. The relevant parties were instructed to submit a report on the progress of the “InSA” Project to the Committee by February 2027.
2026-09-02
The Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill was recently considered by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection.The matter was discussed when the Committee met recently in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika. A group of officials, including Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, were summoned to the meeting.The Bill has been introduced to repeal the Chief of Defence Staff Act, No. 35 of 2009. The Act was enacted in 2009 to carry out functions including the coordination of activities between the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, in accordance with the requirements of the time.However, considering the current situation in the country, it has been determined that there is no longer a need to maintain a dedicated office or position for the coordination of the three Armed Forces. Accordingly, under the ongoing restructuring process of the three Armed Forces, such coordination is being carried out through the Ministry of Defence.It was also observed that, given the country’s current economic situation, transferring the functions of the office to the Ministry of Defence could reduce the financial burden on the Government.Accordingly, the Sectoral Oversight Committee approved the Bill, which is scheduled to be taken up for debate in Parliament on September 9 for the Second Reading.Several Members of Parliament serving on the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection participated in the meeting.
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