23 October 2019 10:30 pm
JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake today raised objections to the appointment of UPFA MP Thilanga Sumathilapa to the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) in place of Chandrasiri Gajadeera, who died recently.
When Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri announced that Mr.Sumathipala had been appointed to the COPE by the Speaker to fill the vacancy left after the death of Chandrasiri Gajadeera, MP Ratnayake said it was immoral to appoint him as a COPE member as there was an ongoing inquiry against him at the COPE. Deputy Speaker Kumarasiri said he would refer the matter to the Speaker.
MP Sumathipala, who responded, said allegations had not been proved by the COPE and added that he had all qualifications to hold the position as a COPE member and there was no legal barrier to his appointment. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)