2025-12-19
News Categories : Committee News
The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) considered and approved a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster. Accordingly, the supplementary estimate is scheduled for approval in Parliament today (Dec. 19).
The above approval was granted yesterday (18) at a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance held under the chairmanship of Dr. Harsha de Silva, Hon. Member of Parliament.
Officials present stated that although the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 (Budget) was passed in Parliament on December 5, the recent disaster situation has necessitated the mobilization of additional funds beyond the amounts approved under the Budget. Accordingly, an estimated supplementary sum of Rs. 500 billion has been proposed to support and empower affected communities and to restore and strengthen essential infrastructure.
The proposed supplementary estimate comprises allocations of Rs. 100 billion for the renovation of houses destroyed by the disaster, Rs. 250 billion for the restoration and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, and Rs. 150 billion to support the rebuilding of livelihoods and the restoration of normal living conditions for affected communities.
The Committee observed that the supplementary estimate results in the primary expenditure for 2026 rising about 1.5% of GDP above the 13% of GDP ceiling imposed by the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act. Under the PFM Act such a breach of the ceiling is permitted under Section 16 in case of “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances such as major economic downturn, severe external shocks, natural disaster, emergence of major contingent liabilities or any such other eventuality in the opinion of the Cabinet of Ministers.” Under Section 16 and Section 26, which covers supplementary estimates, the Ministry of Finance has submitted documents that provide the necessary explanations and justifications, including an updated medium term fiscal framework (MTFF).
When inquired into the implications of this expenditure on the Public Financial Management Act, officials explained that while there is a mandatory requirement not to exceed the primary expenditure ceiling of 13 percent of GDP, the Act provides for exemptions in situations involving a disaster or national crisis.
The Committee also inquired into the selection of beneficiaries of such funds. Officials stated that the National Building Research Institute (NBRO) has identified 15,000 houses, and that a plan has been in place since 2017, although progress has been slow. Officials further stated that the 2026 Budget has allocated Rs. 5,000 billion to construct approximately 3,000 houses that have already been identified. In addition, funds will be allocated for restoration and relocation purposes. The Committee emphasized that accurate data should be acquired and a proper plan should be in place to support those who have actually been affected by the disaster.
Moreover, the Committee urged the need for the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund to be formally established as a statutory fund with Parliamentary approval without further delay to ensure that the funds are utilized in an accountable and transparent manner.
Following an in-depth discussion, the Committee approved the supplementary sum of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of those affected by the sudden disaster situation.
The meeting was attended by Hon. Deputy Ministers Dr. (Ms.) Kaushalya Ariyarathne and Nishantha Jayaweera, Hon. Members of Parliament and Committee Members Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Wijesiri Basnayake, Thilina Samarakoon, Rauff Hakeem, Attorney-at-Law, as well as Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law.
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.
2026-03-30
The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports has granted approval for the regulations under the “Convention Against Doping in Sports Act.” These regulations have been published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2471/51 dated 16 January 2026.The approval was granted at a meeting of the Committee held recently (Mar. 20) in Parliament, under the chairmanship of the Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, with the participation of the Hon. Deputy Minister, Dinindu Saman Hennayake.A number of Member Parliamentarians of the Committee, as well as non-member Parliamentarians, were present at the meeting. Officials, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, also attended the occasion.
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