2025-09-17
News Categories : Committee News
It was disclosed at the recent meeting of the Committee on Public Enterprises that due to the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau not properly charging the state royalty, a large amount of money has been lost to the government.
This was disclosed during the Committee’s inquiry into the Auditor General’s reports for the years 2022 and 2023 of the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau and its current performance, under the chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera on 2025.09.12 at Parliament.
It was also disclosed that the Bureau had issued a mining license from December 2023 to September 2024 to a private company for sand removal at the Mukkutoduwawa Estate in Puttalam District belonging to Chilaw Plantations Limited. Although the contractor had removed a sand stock ranging from 36,531 to 45,561 cubic meters, the royalty had been paid only for 1,594 cubic meters, amounting to Rs. 686,464. The Auditor General pointed out this matter, based on the report of the GSMB Technical Services (Pvt) Ltd dated 19 December 2024 estimating the sand removed. Accordingly, it was pointed out by the Committee that a royalty of over Rs. 12 million had been lost.
Discussions were also held on the calculation of royalty for stone quarries based on the explosives issued for the quarry. It was pointed out by the Committee that due to the use of explosives in an illegal manner, the actual volume of rock removed could not be calculated, resulting in a large loss of revenue to the government. Even though massive rock excavation takes place from stone quarries in different parts of the country, in reality, only a small revenue is received by the government, as pointed out by the Members of the Committee with examples.
Accordingly, the Committee recommended to the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and the officials of the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau that a stronger monitoring mechanism should be established beyond the issuance of mining licenses, and that urgent steps should be taken to amend the Act to overcome existing legal shortcomings.
Attention was also drawn to serious shortcomings in the mechanism of issuing Exploration License (EL) prior to mining. It was revealed that under the prevailing system, many institutions obtaining exploration licenses sell them to other persons at higher prices, without actually carrying out exploration or mining activities. Although data is submitted to the Bureau after exploration, there is a serious issue regarding the accuracy of such data. Since 1993, the Bureau has issued more than 450 exploration licenses, but currently only 43 remain active, as revealed.
Accordingly, it was pointed out that the current system does not ensure a proper scientific and transparent exploration process, and that the Bureau does not have a mechanism to properly monitor the activities after the issuance of exploration licenses. Therefore, instead of ad-hoc solutions, a new mechanism and a strategic plan important for sustainable national development should be prepared, as highlighted.
The Committee also drew attention to the fact that although 9 licenses had been issued to 5 companies registered in Sri Lanka for mineral sand exploration in Mannar Island, those companies had not carried out exploration for 10–13 years. It was revealed that all 5 companies registered in Sri Lanka are managed by one company registered in Australia. As a result, the license holders have reserved these areas for long periods without exploration, limiting opportunities for other local and foreign investors who wish to explore minerals. Due to this, an extent of about 195 square kilometers has been blocked, which was pointed out by the Committee Chairman as an obstacle to the country’s development.
According to the Mines and Minerals Act, mining lands should be rehabilitated after mining. However, attention was drawn to the fact that by 2025 August 11, the Bureau had not implemented rehabilitation works for 3,150 licenses. It was discussed that although a bond (deposit) is obtained at the time of license issuance for rehabilitation, miners tend to consider abandoning the deposit more profitable than rehabilitating the land. However, the officials stated that legal action had been taken against license holders who failed to carry out rehabilitation.
Extended attention was also drawn to the issue of Quartz exports. It was discussed that Clear Quartz is being illegally exported along with Quartz, and that certain insiders within the Bureau appear to be supporting this smuggling. The Committee pointed out that a mechanism should be established to hand over the export of Clear Quartz to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and to allow only other Quartz to be legally exported.
The Committee pointed out that throughout its past history, the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau has not operated with proper planning according to the legal principles of the Act, and that investigations clearly show this. It was further emphasized that this institution, which can perform as a massive national enterprise earning far greater revenue, should act with proper vision and systematic planning. The Committee Chairman also stated that COPE would continuously monitor the progress of the implementation of the recommendations given.
Members of Parliament Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law, Mujibur Rahman, Chaminda Wijesiri, Dilith Jayaweera, Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga, Jagath Manuwarna, Ruwan Mapalagama, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana and Chandima Hettiaratchi, together with Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Rohitha Uduwawala, Chairman of the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau Saman Jayasinghe and a group of officials, also participated in this Committee meeting.
2026-04-09
The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) met on 07th April 2026 under the chairmanship of Hon Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva.The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, along with members of the Governing Board, the Monetary Policy Board, and senior officials, attended the meeting as part of the Central Bank’s statutory presentation to Parliament conducted once every four months.Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, (Dr.) (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathnea and Nishantha Jayaweera, Hon. Members of parliament Rauff Hakeem, Attorney at Law, Ravi Karunanayake, M.K.M. Aslam, Nimal Palihena, Chithral Fernando, Attorney at Law, Wijesiri Basnayake, Thilina Samarakoon, Champika Hettiarachchi and (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law were also present at the meeting.During the meeting, the Committee took up as a matter of priority the alleged fraud at NDB Bank. The Committee initiated a focused discussion with the Central Bank, underscoring the seriousness of the issue and the need for urgent attention.The Governor informed the Committee that an initial investigation in this regard is currently underway. He further assured that the Central Bank will report back to the Committee at the earliest possible opportunity once the necessary information has been gathered.The Committee observed with serious concern that there appear to have been considerable lapses in corporate governance at the bank, deficiencies in supervision by the relevant departments of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and undue delays in the reporting of material information.The Committee firmly underscored that such shortcomings are unacceptable and directed that immediate corrective measures be undertaken. It further emphasized that it will continue to closely monitor this matter and exercise stringent oversight to ensure full accountability, transparency, and the safeguarding of public confidence in the financial system.
2026-04-02
The Committee on High Posts has approved the appointments of four Ministry Secretaries.The approval was granted when the Committee met in Parliament recently (Mar. 20) under the chairmanship of Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.Accordingly, the Committee approved the appointments of Air Vice Marshall H.S.S Thuyyacontha (Retd.) as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. L Mohamed Navavi as the Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. W.M.D.T Wickramasinghe as the Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and Mr. W.W.S Mangala as the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.
2026-03-31
A Parliamentary delegation from the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by Hon. S. M. Marikkar, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee, undertook a Parliamentary Study Tour to New Delhi and Mumbai from 22nd to 27th March 2026, following an invitation extended by the High Commission of India.The Sri Lankan delegation comprised the Chief Opposition Whip Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka, Members of Parliament Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, Hon. K. Ilankumaran, Hon. Chathura Galappaththi, Hon. Ravindra Bandara, Hon. Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, Hon. Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha, Hon. (Mrs.) Geetha Herath, Attorney at Law, Hon. Kins Nelson and Hon. Dharmapriya Wijesinghe. Parliament staff members attached to the office of the Sectoral Oversight Committees who were also present included Assistant Director (Administration) Mr. K. P. Chandana, Principal Officer Ms. S. W. T. R. De Silva and Parliamentary Officer Ms. W. K. A. M. M. M. Arthanayaka. The delegation arrived in New Delhi on 22nd March 2026 and commenced official engagements on the following day. The programme included a meeting with the Foreign Secretary of India and a floral tribute at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex. The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha.An orientation session on the Indian Parliamentary system was conducted, providing valuable insights into institutional structures and legislative processes. The delegation further held productive interactions with the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, as well as the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs.On 24th March 2026, the delegation participated in a series of technical and policy-focused engagements, including a session on India’s “PM Gati Shakti” National Master Plan. Visits were made to the National Highways Authority of India and the Solar Energy Corporation of India, alongside discussions with the Confederation of Indian Industry. The delegation also engaged with the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, further strengthening bilateral Parliamentary relations.Continuing its programme on 25th March 2026, the delegation visited the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to study urban mass transit systems and best practices in public transportation. This was followed by an interaction with the New Delhi Municipal Council on Smart City initiatives, focusing on urban governance, digital infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The delegation also met with officials of the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to discuss large-scale water supply management and rural infrastructure development.The programme in Mumbai included visits to key infrastructure and development sites such as the Atal Setu Bridge and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, as well as the Navi Mumbai Airport. The delegation also visited the Power Exchange India Limited and met with the Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra.On 27th March 2026, the delegation visited prominent locations including the Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves. The programme also included a meeting with the Hon. Speaker of the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha and discussions with senior officials responsible for investment promotion and industries, prior to their departure to Colombo.Sri Lanka’s participation in this Parliamentary Study Tour underscored its continued commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with India and advancing institutional capacity, knowledge exchange, and best practices in infrastructure and strategic development through sustained Parliamentary engagement.
2026-03-30
Progress on the implementation of recommendations issued by the COPA on 06th January 2026 was reviewed Matters relating to the 2024 Auditor General’s Report and current performance were also examined The Department of Archaeology was summoned before the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), where attention was drawn to the progress made in implementing the recommendations issued at the COPA meeting held on 06th January 2026, as well as to the current performance of the Department.These matters were discussed at the COPA meeting held in Parliament on 19th March 2026 under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Kabir Hashim, to examine the Auditor General’s triennial report for the years 2021–2023, the 2024 Auditor General’s Report, and the current performance of the Department of Archaeology.At its meeting on 06th January 2026, it was recommended that a report on the gazetted and ungazetted antiquities identified by the Department of Archaeology be submitted to the Committee within a month. However, the Auditor General’s Department pointed out that data relating to antiquities not declared by Gazette had still not been submitted to the Committee. Accordingly, the Chair of the Committee instructed that a report be submitted within two weeks, including details of such antiquities, reasons for not publishing them by Gazette, and a proposed timeline for their gazetting.The Committee also focused on the lack of progress in implementing the recommendation to establish a centralized data system for the Department of Archaeology, and instructed that a progress report on this matter be submitted to the Committee.Furthermore, it was revealed that although Cabinet approval stipulates that 25% of the revenue generated by the Central Cultural Fund should be allocated to the Ministry of National Heritage, the Department of Archaeology has been requesting a lower allocation annually. Officials who appeared before the Committee stated that funds allocated through Cabinet approval had remained unutilized, and that there are plans to reduce future allocations requested from the Treasury accordingly.The shortage of vehicles available to the Department was also discussed, with officials noting that this has significantly affected the institution’s performance. The Committee stated that it would take steps to raise this matter with the relevant authorities.The meeting was attended by Committee Member Hon. Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake and Hon. Members of Parliament (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Hector Appuhamy, Chanaka Madugoda, Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, and Ruwanthilaka Jayakody.
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