SJB MP Kabir Hashim has been appointed Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA).

This appointment fills the vacancy created following the resignation of Member of Parliament Aravinda Senarath, who served as the Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) for the first session of the Tenth Parliament, on 06.08.2025. The Committee convened in Parliament yesterday (12) to elect the new Chairman.

For the position of Chair, the name of MP Kabir Hashim was proposed and seconded respectively by Members of Parliament J.C. Alawathuwala and Rohitha Abeygunawardena.

Subsequently, addressing the Committee, the new Chair stated that he expects to carry out his duties in a neutral manner, free from political bias, with the cooperation of all members. He further expressed his special appreciation for the work performed by former Chair Member of Parliament Aravinda Senarath and stated that he expects to carry out the responsibilities of his office even more effectively. Moreover, the new Chair indicated that he is prepared to take the necessary measures to further systematise the functions of the COPA Committee by formulating new plans.

The occasion was also attended by Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, MPs Dr MLAM Hizbullah, Rohitha Abeygunawardana, J.C. Alawathuwala, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, Hector Appuhamy, Dr Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana, Oshani Umanga, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Thushari Jayasingha, MAM Thahir, Lal Premanath, Chanaka Madugoda, as well as Parliament officials, including Director (Legislative Services) and Acting Director (Communication) M Jayalath Perera.