Harsha appointed COPF Chair violating Standing Orders: Sajith

8 June 2023 10:35 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

MP Harsha de Silva’s appointment as the chairman of the Public Finance Committee (COPF) is welcome, but it is a bad precedent as it violates Standing Orders, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament today.

“We welcome the appointment of Dr. de Silva but we like to note that he has been appointed by violating Standing Orders. Standing Orders are violated as President Ranil Wickremesinghe had to come to Parliament to appoint him to the post,” Mr. Premadasa said.

“We thank the President for his role to get de Silva appointed but would like to say that Sanding Orders have to be changed now so that the President’s intervention will be made legal,” he added.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said the whole affair is an indication that the opposition will have to go to the President to get things done.

"The Speaker has given the impression that we have to now go to the President to get things done,” he said.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said there is no point in raising matters pertaining to the appointment of the Finance Committee Chairman as that has been done.

Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunga questioned whether there is a plan to prevent Dr. de Silva from carrying out his work.

"The President intervened as the Minister of Finance and not as the head of state to resolve the issue over the Finance Committee Chairman,” he added. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 14

Tilak Thursday, 08 June 2023 11:01 AM

SP complaining about everything!

Democracy Thursday, 08 June 2023 11:24 AM

Looks like nothing can happen without the President's hand in it ? The Speaker and PM has no say !

Gamini Thursday, 08 June 2023 11:29 AM

what does this guy want. You appoint Dr.Harsha he complains. You don't appoint Dr.Harsha he complains. All he does is complain about something all the time. Do the people of this country really want a character like Sajith to lead the nation

Hesh Thursday, 08 June 2023 12:18 PM

Don't under-estimate the UNPers.

RuwanL Thursday, 08 June 2023 12:25 PM

The proper procedure should be followed as democracy must always prevail and not dictator ship. On this matter I am with Sajith!

Tom Thursday, 08 June 2023 12:39 PM

This guy is crazy. He is wasting precious time wasting tax payers money on such trivial matters.

Ruwan Thursday, 08 June 2023 12:57 PM

Looks like Sajith is cross because now Harsha will be remembered as the President"s Man and not SJP's. As Diana Gamage said the SJP now stands for Samagi Janjaala Pakshaya.

GTR Thursday, 08 June 2023 01:12 PM

SP after initially lobbying for his appointment is now not sure if to support or oppose. Harsha’s views after his appointment is sending a strong signal down the telephone line……

VJ Thursday, 08 June 2023 02:09 PM

It is dangerous to set precedents in governance as correctly pointed out by the opposition leader. Due process must be followed.

Man Thursday, 08 June 2023 02:35 PM

True, rule of law must be upheld to make it legal and valid.

Sam Silva Thursday, 08 June 2023 05:28 PM

Silva cannot perform miracles. For the start let him start with the bond scam since his boss is involved during his watch. Will see how far he could succeed.

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 08 June 2023 05:35 PM

Sajith knows that Harsha may side with the winning team. I suspect that Harsha has a personal dream of becoming the Finance Minister of Sri Lanka, so he may flip into Ranil's side if there appears to be any chance of Ranil winning the next election.

Luwandath Fernando Thursday, 08 June 2023 11:15 PM

What this guy can take action for that bailout ours Economic crisis? De Silva has nothing do for that. De Silva is Powerless, Brainless and doing nothing even IMF is loosing its ground lack of sources of FUNDS by US lost its power of $$$ Dollar @ The USA is decaling her ECONOMY and that GDP of US very rapidly decaling an unprecedently level. Therefor What is that De Silva can doin Chairmen of Committee of the Parliaments Nothing he can do at all.

Buddhist Friday, 09 June 2023 08:11 PM

When we have a Speaker who repeatedly violates the Constitution and the standing orders, his not appointing Harsha as COPF chair is not surprising. This is the worst speaker we have had and he is a biased speaker supporting SLPP.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Harsha appointed COPF Chair violating Standing Orders: Sajith

Comments - 14

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

New Visa procedure implemented

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

SL took minimal steps to punish officials who committed human rights abuses: US report

Iranian President’s visit Sri Lanka withstands western pressure

25 tons of solid waste disposed along Sri Pada route

Temperature rises to ‘Caution’ level

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident

Indian cricket manager indicted for Legend Cricket League match-fixing allegations