2025-06-12
The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament Aravinda Senarath, recommended that an audit be conducted on the daily financial loss incurred due to train cancellations.
This recommendation was made during the Committee’s meeting held recently (Jun. 05) at Parliament to discuss the Auditor General’s Report for the year 2023 and the current performance of the Sri Lanka Railways Department.
The Sri Lanka Railways Department was summoned before the Committee on May 08, during which the 2023 Auditor General’s Report was reviewed. Based on the issues revealed, the Committee decided to further discuss matters related to this institution. Accordingly, former General Managers of Railways and former Secretaries to the Ministry were also summoned and were present at the meeting.
The Committee’s attention was drawn to the insufficient number of audit and management committee meetings held, and inquiries were made from the former Secretaries to the Ministry and former General Managers of Railways regarding the lack of adequate meetings from 2021 to 2024. In response, the former officials pointed out that the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic during this period hindered the ability to hold such meetings. Although arrangements had been made to regularize these meetings in 2024, the officials stated that the final scheduled meeting could not be held due to staff transfers. The Committee noted that as a result, the institution’s efficiency had declined and that delays in train operations had increased in 64 train delays in 2022, 61 in 2023, and 46 in 2024.
A lengthy discussion was held on this matter, and the Committee recommended that a report be submitted to the Ministry regarding daily train delays and the measures taken to prevent them. Additionally, the Committee recommended that an audit be carried out on the daily losses incurred due to train cancellations.
The Committee also took note that, according to State Finance Circular dated August 28, 2020, the approval of the Chief Financial Officer must be obtained for the procurement plan. However, this approval had not been obtained for the 2024 procurement plan, and the Committee recommended that an investigation be conducted in this regard.
Further, it was discussed that Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd. must pay an outstanding revenue amounting to Rs. 2,187,326/= for the transportation of limestone by rail by December 31, 2024. The officials noted that the relevant project is still ongoing and that necessary action is being taken to recover the due payments as scheduled.
On May 22, members of the COPA Committee also undertook an observation tour at the Ratmalana Railway Maintenance Yard. The MPs informed the Committee of the facts revealed during this visit, stating that a large area of the worksite is covered with dismantled machinery and equipment, some of which are not installed in environmentally appropriate conditions. It was also observed that some equipment had been purchased in excess quantities. Following lengthy discussions on the matter, the Committee recommended that a report be submitted regarding the procurement of M11 railway engines, including cost and maintenance expenses.
In addition, the Committee recommended that a detailed report on the financial progress achieved over the past five years be submitted.
COPA member Hon. State Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Hon. Members of Parliament J. C. Alawathuwala, M. L. A. M. Hizbullah, Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, T. K. Jayasundara, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Tushari Jayasinghe Attorney-at-Law, (Dr.) Janaka Senarathna, and Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, along with several government officials were [present at the committee meeting held.
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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