COPE, COPA can probe public servants; Ex Auditor General

By Yohan Perera   

The accountability of public officials may be probed by  Parliamentary Committees as per the responsibilities vested with such  committees, former Auditor General S. C. Mayadunne said.  

Mayadunne noted that when public officials who appear  before such Committees should see to it that they present facts, while  their submissions must be precise and accurate. “Their presentations  should be complete and comprehensive, relevant and appropriate,  understandable in simple and rational terms. Presentations should be  made with politeness and due respect,” he said.   

He stressed that the main purpose of the entire exercise of  Parliamentary committees is to assist the legislature to demand  accountability from the Executive. “Therefore, public officials must be  fully aware of the processes and procedures involved, and be prepared to  be held accountable when called upon by the legislature,” he said.   

S.C. Mayadunne, who is also a Former Senior Consultant  to CoPE and CoPA, came up with these remarks during a workshop held at the  Parliamentary complex recently.   

He stressed that accountability of public officials may be  examined by Parliamentary Committees exercising the responsibilities  conferred upon them.   

Mayadunne further elaborated on the structure, powers,  roles and responsibilities of the two key Committees of Parliament, and  explained how their work contributes to transparent and effective  governance.   

The workshop was organised at the request of the  Chairperson of CoPE (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera and Chairperson of  CoPA, Aravinda Senarath. It brought together Ministry Secretaries and  Heads of public institutions falling under COPE and COPA.   

Senior officials, including Secretary to the Prime Minister  G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Acting Auditor General  G.H.D. Dharmapala.,  Assistant Secretary General Hansa Abeyrathne, Director (Legislative  Services) and Acting Director (Communication) M. Jayalath Perera  participated in the event.