2025-08-22
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka to act within the prevailing legal framework if it is to properly carry out its primary function of “regulation.”
The Committee on Public Enterprises of Parliament, chaired by Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, Member of Parliament, met on the August 20th at Parliament to examine the Auditor General’s Reports of 2022 and 2023 and the current performance of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
Pointing out facts at the meeting, the Committee Chair stated that according to clauses 07 and 08 of Extraordinary Gazette No. 1550/7 dated 22nd May 2008, the Overseas Sales Surcharge (OSS) collected by the Civil Aviation Authority should be credited to the Consolidated Fund. However, since the inception of the Gazette notification, the Overseas Sales Surcharge has not been credited to the Consolidated Fund but has been identified as the income of the Authority and retained by it. Furthermore, the Chair stated that the Audit disclosed that Rs. 90 million per month could be retained for Authority expenditure and the balance should be remitted to the Treasury from this collected income in accordance with the Cabinet decision given in November 2023. However, he stated that the audit has revealed that the sum of Rs. 20,630 million collected during the period from 2018 to November 2023 has not been remitted to the Treasury.
Officials pointed out that the income earned from these retained funds is the main revenue source of the Civil Aviation Authority. However, the Committee Chair inquired whether these retained funds were utilized for activities related to regulation, and stated that the Cabinet decision concerning these funds should also be reconsidered.
Further, extensive discussions took place at COPE regarding the renovation work of the bungalow maintained by the Authority in Weerawila. The procurement plan had approved Rs. 4.5 million for this renovation process, but during implementation it had risen up to Rs. 24 million. The Committee questioned officials regarding this increase. However, the officials stated that these details were inaccurate and that updated information has been referred to the audit. Accordingly, expressing the displeasure of the Committee regarding the failure to provide accurate information to the audit, the Committee Chair instructed that accurate information be provided within the specified timeframe.
It was also revealed by the National Audit Office officials that even after the renovation of the official quarters of the Authority at Katunayake, the main shortcomings that existed prior to the renovations still remained, as observed during physical inspections carried out by the audit. The Committee also discussed at length that approximately Rs. 1.5 million had been spent merely for the repair of doors. Accordingly, the Committee Chairman instructed the Secretary to the Ministry and the relevant officials to carry out a full re-examination of these renovation works of the buildings and the related procedures.
Extensive discussions were also held at COPE regarding the existing staff vacancies of the Civil Aviation Authority. It was disclosed that around 14 senior-level vacancies have persisted for several years. In response, officials explained that although the Authority had called for applications, suitably qualified persons with expertise and experience had not applied for these posts due to prevailing salary disparities. However, they stated that applications have been called and that after receiving the necessary approvals from the Prime Minister’s Committee, the vacancies would be filled.
Commenting on this, the Committee Chair pointed out that at present a positive perception regarding Sri Lanka is emerging among citizens, and therefore, persons with expertise and qualifications would be willing to serve in professions not merely for salaries but also due to the interest shown towards such careers. Nevertheless, he instructed that discussions be held with the Department of Management Services to review the salaries for the vacant posts of the Civil Aviation Authority and to take suitable action. Further, the Committee instructed to take necessary measures to build a workforce with the required knowledge in this field within the country.
The Members of Parliament Hon. M.K.M. Aslam, Hon. Nilanthi Kottahachchi (Attorney-at-Law), Hon. Dilith Jayaweera, Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga, Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha, Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi, and Hon. Dinesh Hemantha also participated in this Committee meeting held.
2026-09-01
The third programme in the “Voice to Policy” dialogue series, organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative, is scheduled to be held on September 5 at the Golden Crown Hotel in Kandy for youth in the Kandy District.The programme is being organized with the aim of further promoting the concept of an Open Parliament through the participation of young representatives. It will be held under the leadership of the Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative, Hon. Minister Prof. Krishantha Abeyasena and Hon. Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. Members of the Caucus, as well as Members of Parliament representing the Kandy District, are also expected to participate in the event. Through this workshop, it is expected to raise awareness among young people, in particular, about parliamentary affairs, the legislative process and the principles of an Open Parliament, while further strengthening the relationship between Parliament and citizens.Young men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 from the Kandy District who wish to participate in the workshop are required to register by completing the relevant form through the following link before 12.00 noon on September 3: https://forms.gle/aVp5UzhLbtPSmVap8Participants are also required to wear clothing without any symbols promoting a political party or political movement.The workshop series is being organized with the sponsorship support of CII (Coalition for Inclusive Impact).
2026-08-25
A special meeting was held yesterday at Parliament to discuss the future work of the Expert Panel appointed to reform Sri Lanka’s electoral system, excluding Provincial Council elections, to make it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the expectations of the people.The discussion was held under the chairmanship of Hon. Prof. A.H.M.H. Abeyaratne, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, who is also the Chairman of the Select Committee of Parliament to review the laws dealing with Elections (excluding laws dealing with Provincial Council Elections) and report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in that regard.The meeting included extensive discussions on the role of the Expert Panel, the matters that should be reviewed, and how the next stages of the process should be carried out.The Expert Panel is expected to conduct an in-depth review of 31 proposals submitted by the public and various organizations concerning electoral reforms and to make the necessary recommendations. Relevant studies and research conducted by the university community and research institutions will also be taken into consideration during the review process.The Panel has been given a period of two months to conduct this review. During this period, attention will be focused not only on identifying shortcomings in the existing electoral system, but also, where necessary, on making recommendations for establishing a new electoral system and electoral culture with more constructive and positive features.Accordingly, the ultimate objective of the Committee is not merely to introduce several amendments to the existing system. Rather, it is to present Parliament with a report containing the necessary policy and legislative recommendations for a more credible, democratic, and efficient electoral system that is suited to current needs and the expectations of the people.Committee members Hon. Members of Parliament Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe, and Chandima Hettiarachchi also participated in the meeting.
2026-08-25
The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) paid special attention to the progress of investigations into financial fraud and disciplinary violations that have occurred within the Department of Posts from 2004 to 2025.This was discussed when COPA met at Parliament recently (Aug. 20), under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Kabir Hashim, to review the progress made in implementing the recommendations issued by COPA on April 7, 2026, as well as the current performance of the Department of Posts.It was revealed that a new computerized software system has been introduced to streamline the investigation process. The system is being used to update information relating to investigation files and monitor their progress. The Committee stressed the need to expedite investigations by prioritizing significant financial fraud and serious disciplinary violations, rather than spending resources on prolonged investigations into minor incidents.The meeting also discussed the fact that some investigations have remained unresolved for many years, that some individuals facing allegations have disappeared or died, that legal action in certain cases has been delayed, and that the investigation division is experiencing a shortage of human resources.The Committee further emphasized the need to complete investigations and disciplinary proceedings against officers accused of financial fraud within specified timeframes. Instructions were also given to expedite the necessary measures to recover losses from the parties responsible once investigations have been completed.The Committee also focused on the need to further strengthen financial management and internal control mechanisms within the Department of Posts.Meanwhile, the management of overtime payments within the Department of Posts was also discussed. Officials stated that steps are being taken to introduce an Optimum Cadre - the optimal number of employees - based on a work study conducted by the Department of Management Services covering all nine provinces and the Central Mail Exchange. It was noted that fingerprint machines are now being used to accurately verify employee attendance when making overtime payments. Going forward, the Department plans to use this data to further streamline the payment of overtime allowances.The modernization and digitalization of postal services also received the Committee's attention. Discussions covered plans to further expand value-added services such as Speed Post, Cash on Delivery, and International Courier, digitalize postal banking services, and increase the Department of Posts' revenue through the use of new technologies.The Committee also stressed the importance of maintaining sub-post offices in difficult-to-reach areas where they provide essential services to the public, rather than closing them as part of the restructuring of the Department of Posts' network of sub-post offices.The meeting was attended by Committee member and Hon. Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, as well as Committee members Hon. Members of parliament Chanaka Madugoda, Oshani Umanga, Attorney-at-Law Sagarika Athauda, Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, Ajanta Gammaddege, Lal Premanath, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody and Sunil Ratnasiri.
2026-08-24
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection focused on obtaining the views and proposals of the Police Department on measures that could be taken to reduce overcrowding in prisons.At a recent meeting of the committee held at Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika, discussions focused particularly on the Police Department’s procedures from the arrest of suspects in connection with drug-related offences through to the filing of cases, as well as on removing existing legal obstacles affecting these processes.The committee also discussed delays in proceedings relating to drug-related cases, delays in obtaining reports from the Government Analyst, and the resulting increase in the number of suspects being held in remand custody.It was emphasized that, in combating drug-related offences, it is necessary not only to arrest individuals but also to use modern technology to identify and control drug-trafficking networks and the illegal financial transactions associated with them. The need to introduce appropriate regulatory mechanisms to prevent the misuse of digital money-transfer systems operated by telecommunications companies by drug traffickers for illegal financial transactions was also highlighted.The meeting also discussed the need to strengthen community-based rehabilitation programmes as an alternative to imprisoning persons addicted to drugs, increase public participation in crime prevention, and amend existing laws to bring them in line with current requirements.Views were also expressed on the need to establish a modern forensic laboratory within the Police Department in order to expedite criminal investigations. It was pointed out that speeding up the analysis of scientific evidence could accelerate court proceedings and thereby help reduce prison overcrowding.In addition, attention was given to improving the welfare of police officers, enhancing their professional training and investigative skills, and strengthening mechanisms for evaluating police performance.Members of the committee who attended the meeting included Hon. Members of Parliament Ajith P. Perera, G.G. Ponnambalam, Mujibur Rahman, M.K.M. Aslam, Dr. Sellathamby Thilakanathan, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Chandana Suriyaarachchi, and Major General (Retired) G.D. Sooriyabandara.Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs D.W.R.B. Seneviratne, Inspector General of Police Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, and a number of senior officers of the Police Department were also present at the meeting.
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