SJB sabotaging Govt.’s economic plan

• The duty of the Finance Committee is to examine whether the decisions made by the Finance Ministry are in line with government policies

 By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

UNP MP Vajira Abeywardena claimed in Parliament that the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has been engaging in sabotaging the government economic plan when holding the chair of the Public Finance Committee. Former Chairman of the Committee Harsha de Silva denied the allegation.  

“The duty of the Finance Committee is to examine whether the decisions made by the Finance Ministry are in line with the government policies and also to submit reports in this regard to the House from time to time. However, the finance committee has worked according to another agenda. It is possible to suspend standing orders as per 78 (2) of the constitution and appoint any member of the committee as the Chairman when the duty of the incumbent chairman fails in his duty. “The opposition should be aware of this position,” MP Abeywardena said.  

Dr. de Silva dismissed the claim and said he had submitted a number of reports to the House. “I have carried out my duty diligently throughout my tenure as the Chairman of Finance Committee. However, the Finance Ministry is responsible if there was any shortcoming,” he said.  

The cross talk between MPs Abeywardena and de Silva came up amidst heated arguments on the temporary appointment of MP Abeywardena as the acting Chairman of the Finance Committee.  

The argument arose when Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella objected to Abeywardena’s appointment saying is against Standing orders. 

• The argument arose when Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella objected to Abeywardena’s appointment