COPA draws attention to 11 abandoned or underperforming projects implemented under the Department of Irrigation

COPA’s attention on unauthorized constructions
Report requested on vehicles currently in use and vehicles not in the custody of the Department
Attention on addressing the shortage of staff in the Accounts Division

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) drew attention to 11 development projects implemented under the Department of Irrigation that have been abandoned or have failed to achieve their intended objectives.

These matters were discussed at the COPA meeting held on 25th November 2025, chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament Kabir Hashim, convened to review the Auditor General’s Report of 2023 pertaining to the Department of Irrigation and to examine its current performance.

The Committee highlighted that 11 development projects, with an estimated total value of Rs. 55,078 million and an expenditure of Rs. 4,047.43 million, have now been either abandoned or temporarily suspended. Among these projects are the Uma Oya Lower Basin Development Project, the Lower Malwathu Oya Development Project, and the Yan Oya Reservoir Development Project.

The Committee stressed that these nationally important projects must be completed without delay based on a clear prioritization framework. It further emphasized that some projects had been initiated without identifying proper priorities and reiterated the need for more responsible management of public funds.

Attention was also drawn to unauthorized constructions that obstruct canals, waterways, or reservoirs, or otherwise harm irrigation infrastructure. The Committee noted that further discussions on this matter will be scheduled for a future meeting.

COPA also examined issues related to vehicles in the possession of the Department. It was noted that as of 31st August 2022, 2,004 vehicles were registered under the Department of Irrigation, whereas departmental records indicate that only 1,560 vehicles are currently accounted for. This means 464 vehicles are not in the custody of the Department and the Committee instructed the Department to submit a comprehensive report containing all relevant details.

The Committee also focused on the shortage of staff in the Accounts Division and recommended that the Department submit the necessary requests to the Department of Management Services for the required appointments, and provide a copy of the correspondence to COPA.

Hon. State Ministers Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara and Sugath Thilakaratne, and Hon. MPs Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Kavinda Jayawardena, Hector Appuhamy, Chamara Sampath, Oshani Umanga, Lal Premanath, and Sunil Ratnasiri were present at this committee meeting .

2025-12-02

The performance reports and annual reports of several State institutions reviewed at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations

The performance reports and annual reports of several State institutions were reviewed at the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations.This was during the meeting of the Committee held in Parliament on 2025.11.21 under the chairpersonship of the Hon. Member of Parliament Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law.Accordingly, the reports of the following institutions under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies were reviewed:1. Import and Export Control Department2. Department of National Planning3. Department of Public Enterprises4. Assessment Department5. Sri Lanka Customs6. Department of External Resources7. Department of Development Finance8. Department of Census and Statistics9. Fiscal Policy Department10. Department of Public FinanceDuring the committee meeting held, an extensive discussion was held regarding the functions, future plans, requirements, etc. of these Departments.Hon. Members of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi and Wijesiri Basnayake also participated in this Committee meeting held.

2025-11-27

Sectoral Oversight Committee Draws Attention to Legal Barriers in Importing Drug-Detection Equipment for Drivers

The Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection, Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Najith Indika, stated that the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board must take the lead in streamlining the procurement process and easing existing legal barriers related to importing equipment used to test drivers for drug use.These matters were taken up during the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection, which met in Parliament on 20th November 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. MP (Dr.) Najith Indika.The Committee reviewed the progress of the 2025 budget proposals and special project implementations of the Ministry of Public Security & Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils & Local Government.Officials from the Sri Lanka Police Narcotics Bureau highlighted the difficulties in conducting roadside drug tests due to the lack of necessary equipment.The Committee Chair noted that the government has prioritized eliminating drug abuse and stressed the importance of regulating drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of drugs. He further stated that essential equipment required to identify drug users must be made readily available and that legal barriers affecting their procurement process and importation should be addressed promptly.Police officials also informed the Committee that notable progress has been made in implementing budgeted programmes related to drug prevention. Officials from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board briefed the Committee on the progress achieved under their purview as well.The Committee additionally reviewed the progress of the 2025 budget proposals of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils & Local Government. The Ministry Secretary reported significant progress and noted that many suspended development projects have now resumed.Hon. Members of Parliament G.G. Ponnambalam, Mujibur Rahman, Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe, and Dharmapriya Wijesinghe were also present at the committee meeting.

2025-11-27

The Committee on High Posts approves the appointments of three chairmen of state-owned institutions

The appointments of three chairmen of state-owned institutions were approved by the Parliamentary Committee on High Posts yesterday (Nov. 26).Accordingly, the appointments of Dr. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Mr. M.D.C.A. Perera as the Chairman of the National Lotteries Board, and Eng. P.V.A. Hemalal, as the Chairman of Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited, were approved by the Committee on High Posts.The meeting was chaired by Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and a group of members of the committee participated in this meeting.

2025-11-26

Performance Reports and Annual Reports of 12 Institutions Under the Ministry of Justice Reviewed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection recently (Nov. 18) reviewed 12 performance reports and annual reports of institutions functioning under the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.The Committee met in Parliament on the 18th under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika.Accordingly, the Committee examined the 2022, 2023 and 2024 performance reports of the Registrar’s Office of the Supreme Court, the 2023 and 2024 performance reports of Judges of Supreme Court, the 2022 Annual Report of the Supreme Court Complex Management Board, the 2022 and 2023 Annual Reports of the National Authority for the Protection of Victims and Witnesses of Crime, and the 2023 and 2024 Annual Reports of the Department of Community Based Corrections.In addition, the Committee reviewed the 2022 and 2023 Annual Reports of the Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka, the 2023 and 2024 Annual Reports of the Department of Official Languages, the 2020,2021,2022 & 2023 Annual Reports of the Official Languages Commission, the 2022 and 2023 Annual Reports of the National Institute of Language Education and Training, the 2023 and 2024 Annual Reports of the Department of Prisons, the 2023 and 2024 Annual Reports of the Prisoners’ Welfare Fund, and the 2023 and 2024 Annual Reports of the Debt Conciliation Board.The Committee also inquired into audit observations related to these institutions, and relevant officials presented their explanations. Attention was also drawn to the current activities of these institutions, as well as existing issues and shortcomings. The Committee Chair informed officials to notify the Committee if amendments to the legal framework governing these institutions were necessary to ensure more efficient service delivery, and assured the Committee’s support in facilitating such changes.Further, regarding the 2024 Annual Performance Report of the Department of Community Based Corrections, it was noted that the Auditor General’s report highlighted the incomplete construction of the building for the Legal Aid and Community Correctional Office in Puttalam. The Committee requested a report on this matter.Accordingly, approval of the Committee was granted for all performance and annual reports reviewed, except for the 2023 and 2024 Annual Performance Reports of the Department of Community Based Corrections.Hon. Members of Parliament Mujibur Rahman, Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe, and Major General (Retd.) G.D. Sooriyabandara, along with a group of government officials, participated in the Committee meeting.