’’I refused to accept privately submitted report on USD 2.5M fraud case’’: Harsha

Colombo, June 2 (Daily Mirror) - Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairman MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says he refused to accept a privately submitted report concerning the alleged fraudulent transfer of US$2.5 million belonging to the Ministry of Finance, insisting that it be formally tabled for parliamentary review.

Speaking at a COPF meeting, Dr. de Silva said the committee had previously requested a detailed report from the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance regarding the transaction, along with all supporting documentation. The ministry was given a four-week deadline to submit the information.

He said that although a report was later prepared, it was sent to him personally for “private perusal,” which he rejected on the grounds that it was intended for the committee as a whole and not for individual review.

“I am a representative of the people and currently serve as Chairman of the Public Finance Committee. The report was requested for the committee to examine and discuss, not for my personal review,” he said.

Dr. de Silva added that he had returned the document through Parliament, stressing that parliamentary oversight bodies have a constitutional duty to examine matters related to public finance in a formal and transparent manner.