Sri Lanka parliament today held a special session to debate the reports of the two presidential commissions of inquiry that probed into the irregularities in Central Bank bond issuances and serious crimes of fraud and corruption during the previous regime.
Speaking at the debate General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said it is commendable to note that for the first time in history the recommendations of a commission report is being carried out effectively.
Deputy Minister Dr Harsha De Silva stated that the government has taken appropriate action concerning the bond commission report. It proves that the COPE committee report that preceded this report, is accurate. He pointed out that there are some who have not studied these reports, but are promulgating falsehood across the country.
He also highlighted several incidents of misconduct regarding bond issues during the previous government and recalled that he brought those incidents to the attention of parliament during that time but no action was taken.
Also joining in the discussion, Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said, the path has been laid for the total elimination of fraud and corruption from the country. He pointed out that although the country is in the run up for an election, misappropriation of public assets is not even heard of. He emphasized that the Audit Bill should be brought into effect as soon as possible.
Deputy minister Ajith P. Perera joining in the debate, highlighted the fact that through the bond commission report, it has been distinctly proven that the leader of the United National Party has no involvement in the bond scam.
Howler, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake accused the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of attempting to protect the Central Bank’s former governor Arjuna Mahendran. He said the Premier’s attitude was to protect the fraudsters rather than punishing them and the report of the bond commission proves the PM’s indirect involvement.
Joint Opposition MP Bandula Gunawardena meanwhile predicted that due to the controversy, Sri Lank will lose its credibility foreign investors will shy away from purchasing the bonds issued by Sri Lanka leading to a political and an economic crisis next year.
The debate on the Bond commission and Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquiry into Serious Acts of Fraud Corruption and Abuse of Power (PRECIFAC) reports will continue on the 20th and 21st of this month.
