The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, conducted an observation visit to the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) in Colombo 7 on 17.02.2026. During the visit, the Committee reviewed the current status of ITI, its facilities, and the challenges it faces.
The Chairman stated during discussions with ITI officials that the purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of the actual condition of the institution and its role in serving society, as well as to assess the contribution it could make to the Government’s development agenda. He emphasized that the visit was undertaken with developmental expectations.
ITI is the only institution in Sri Lanka equipped with top-tier laboratory and testing facilities that support both research and testing functions. The Committee focused on matters including ITI’s accreditation and international recognition, its unique technical capabilities, specialized testing services and facilities, issues relating to coal testing, and the underutilization of pharmaceutical and lubricant testing laboratories.
It was revealed that ITI operates six Research and Development (R&D) divisions and seven service divisions providing testing services. These include pharmaceutical, material, chemical, microbiological testing, calibration, electrotechnology, and residue analysis.
The Institute also facilitates Environmental Protection Licenses and provides factory layout designs and machinery-related technical advice to industrialists.
With regard to accreditation and international recognition, it was disclosed that accreditation is the key factor ensuring the credibility of the institution. ITI complies with the ISO 17025 (2017) international standard.
Initially accredited by SWEDAC of Sweden, since 2013 ITI has been obtaining internationally recognized accreditation through the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB). At present, the institution holds accreditation for more than 1,035 internationally recognized parameters. ITI conducts numerous nationally significant tests, including testing of food, water (for arsenic and other contaminants), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics (such as mercury content).
It was further revealed that a modern instrument valued at Rs. 143 million was recently added to test pesticide residues in tea, vegetables, and fruits exported overseas.
ITI also conducts sound testing and acoustic design services required for highways and factories. Issues relating to coal testing of imported coal were also discussed.
Currently, approximately Rs. 32 million is paid over a six-month period to foreign institutions to test coal imported into Sri Lanka. ITI officials pointed out that by investing approximately Rs. 350 million as initial capital (including 14 items of equipment), these testing facilities could be established within ITI itself with proper accreditation.
It was revealed that reports issued by the Norochcholai laboratory are not internationally or legally accepted due to the absence of accreditation. It was also discussed that the laboratory does not function as an independent third-party testing facility.
Due to the underutilization of pharmaceutical and lubricant testing laboratories, several audit queries have already been raised. It was further disclosed that certain facilities established using government funds remain underutilized, which is a serious concern, especially as these laboratories were set up in accordance with government recommendations.
The pharmaceutical testing laboratory established in 2019 with Treasury provisions amounting to Rs. 99 million remains underutilized due to the lack of agreements with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). Additionally, although Rs. 117 million was spent between 2017–2020 to construct a petroleum and lubricant testing laboratory, it has not been effectively utilized due to the absence of a proper mechanism for obtaining oil samples.
A major issue in pharmaceutical testing was identified as the failure to adhere to the WHO recommendation on the “separation of regulator and tester,” with regulatory bodies themselves conducting testing, thereby creating a conflict of interest.
It was agreed during discussions that a legal mechanism should be developed to encourage the use of accredited and independent government institutions such as ITI for government testing activities. This would help ensure public confidence and compliance with international standards such as those of the WHO.
The observation visit was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament M.K.M. Aslam, Attorney-at-Law Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Samanmali Gunasinghe, (Dr.) S. Sri Bawanandarajah, Ruwan Mapalagama, Asitha Niroshan Egodawithana, and Chandima Hettiarachchi.
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.
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
How Parliament Works
Business of Parliament
Copyright © The Parliament of Sri Lanka.
All Rights Reserved.
Design & Developed by TekGeeks
