• SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake made COPF Chair 
• Harsha cites his stance on casino regulation, BOI tax concessions to major projects as ‘headache’ for ‘robbers’

Following the appointment of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Opposition MP Mayantha Dissanayake as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) yesterday (23), immediate past COPF Chairman, fellow SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva claimed that he had been “illegitimately” removed as he had become a headache to a “bunch of rogues”. 

In a statement issued in this regard, Dr. de Silva said: “The tax money of the people of a bankrupt country should be used in such a way that the country gets maximum benefits. What I emphasised in the COPF was that a casino regulatory authority should be established. I emphasised that when the Board of Investment (BOI) provides tax concessions for large-scale projects, the benefits to the country should be calculated and presented analytically. Until that was done, the COPF did not approve the proposals. 

“It is now clear that this was a huge headache for the bunch of rogues in this country. It is clear that this group of crooks is illegitimately removing me from the position of the Chairperson of the COPF in order to rob the people’s wealth. The COPF is one of the most important Parliamentary Committees. This Committee has the key to exercise the monetary power of the Parliament. For example, before presenting a finance-related Bill to the Parliament for adoption, the COPF examines its effect on the people and provides the initial approval. Because of this, I had a deep understanding of the importance of this Committee and after I became the Chairman, when a proposal was not analytically presented, I did not proceed to approve those proposals. I have become a political victim after working for the country and the people, but at this time I emphasise that I will stand up stronger than ever to defeat this evil ring. 

“I think that I have completed all the qualifications to be the Chairperson of the COPF. But, my unwillingness to protect thieves and give them the opportunity to steal is the only reason why I was fired from that position. I think that the Opposition led by SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa will stand up against this injustice and I strongly believe that everything will be resolved in the people’s court.” 

Meanwhile, during a heated debate in Parliament yesterday on the same matter, SJB MP and Attorney Rauff Hakeem said: “I too participated as a member in this Selection Committee. It is mentioned in the Standing Orders that an Opposition MP should be appointed through the Selection Committee. The process should be to accept the official nomination by the Opposition for a suitable person. However, instead of doing that, the ruling Party (Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna [SLPP]) representatives have used their majority. This will break the trust in the COPF.”

Chief Government Whip and Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said: “They are trying to reveal a wrong ideology here. It is not mentioned in the Standing Orders that whoever the Opposition nominates should be appointed as the Chairperson. But, it is mentioned to appoint an Opposition member. I know that it must be painful for MP de Silva. It was discussed and an Opposition member was appointed. We did not appoint a Government member. I see this as a case where he is working to hold posts. Therefore, anyone from the Opposition can be appointed. So, is the appointed member not from the Opposition? Once the Committee is appointed, there is no ruling party or Opposition. Only the Committee stands. Read the Standing Orders. It does not mention the ruling party or the Opposition. It mentions that a committee be appointed.”

Further clarifying on the Standing Orders, Leader of the House and Minister Attorney Dr. Susil Premajayantha yesterday said in Parliament: “Committees are appointed according to the Standing Orders. We amended the Standing Orders to provide the Chairpersonship of the COPF to an Opposition MP. That is being followed until now. The Chairpersonships of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and the Committee on Public Accounts are decided according to the wishes of the MPs gathered at the first meeting. But, the COPF Chairmanship is nominated by the Parliament’s Selection Committee. An Opposition MP had been named. This is according to the Standing Orders.”

Meanwhile, the COPF met for the first time yesterday under the patronage of newly appointed Chairman Dissanayake. 

Elsewhere, SLPP MP Prof. Ranjith Bandara was re-elected as the new Chair of the COPE yesterday.