The Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, says he has rejected a report sent directly to him regarding the alleged fraudulent transfer of US$2.5 million belonging to the Ministry of Finance.
He stressed that the report was not requested for his personal use but should be officially submitted to Parliament and examined by the Committee.
Addressing a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance, Dr. de Silva said he had previously instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance to submit a comprehensive report, together with all relevant documents related to the transaction, within four weeks.
However, he noted that the report had been sent solely for his “personal use,” which he described as completely unacceptable.
“I am a public representative and currently the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance. This report was requested for the Committee to examine and discuss, not for my personal use,” he said.
Accordingly, Dr. de Silva stated that he refused to accept the report and returned it through Parliament. He emphasized that parliamentary committees have a constitutional responsibility to oversee matters relating to public finance.
The other committee members present also agreed that the report should be formally submitted to Parliament and circulated among committee members for review.
Dr. de Silva further pointed out that any attempt to bypass established parliamentary procedures undermines accountability and democratic oversight in matters involving public finances and alleged financial irregularities.
The Committee has now instructed the relevant authorities to formally submit the report through Parliament before next Wednesday. Once received, committee members are expected to review its contents and hold a detailed discussion at a future meeting.
