Eran resigns from COPE, denounces appointment of ineligible members

By Yohan Perera   

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne has tendered his resignation from the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) protesting against the appointment of ineligible members to the committee.   
The MP said the following in his letter of resignation which has been sent to Speaker.   

“It has been my responsibility to serve on COPE for many years since I became a parliamentarian in 2010. Last week I was nominated again as a member by the opposition.   

The duty of the committee is to report to Parliament on accounts examined, budgets, estimates, financial procedures, performance and management of corporations and other government business undertakings. Even though reports have been submitted to Parliament by COPE from time to time, no credible action has been followed against those who have engaged in corrupt practices or mismanaged. The government has not permitted amendments to standing orders allowing COPE to refer matters for investigation and be judicially perused by direct reference to relevant authorities including the police, Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) and the Attorney General. The public are dismayed at the inefficiencies of COPE.   
The previous government adopted a practice of appointing COPE Chairman who was a member of the opposition to strengthen the principle of that the legislature must be a check and balance on the opposition as chairman, also contributing to the loss of confidence in Parliament.   

“It is dissatisfying that members who have been appointed to COPE have allegations against their personal conduct, particularly on financial transactions. This also contributes citizen’s loss of confidence in Parliament. Therefore, I am resigning from my membership of COPE with immediate effect”.