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Accountability of public officials may be examined by Parliamentary Committees – Former Auditor General

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Ex-AG Mayadunne addressing lawmakers

S.C. Mayadunne, retired Auditor General and former Senior Consultant to CoPE and CoPA, has said accountability of public officials may be examined by Parliamentary Committees.

Mayadunne said so at a special workshop held at the parliament complex on 15 July to raise public officials’ awareness of the contribution of the Executive to the functions of the Committee on Public Enterprises (CoPE) and the Committee on Public Accounts (CoPA).

Mayadunne elaborated on the structure, powers, roles and responsibilities of the two key oversight Committees of Parliament, explaining how their work contributed to transparent and effective governance.

Organised at the request of the Chairperson of CoPE (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera, and Chairperson of CoPA, Aravinda Senarath, the workshop brought together Ministry Secretaries and Heads of public institutions falling under the oversight of these Committees. The primary objective of the event was to provide a deeper understanding of their roles within the broader context of Parliamentary accountability and oversight.

The workshop was attended by several senior officials, including Secretary to the Prime Minister G. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Acting Auditor General G.H.D. Dharmapala., Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyrathne, Director of (Legislative Services) and Acting Director (Communication) Jayalath Perera, alongside many high-ranking representatives from public institutions.

Mayadunne also noted that when public officials appeared before such Committees and presented facts, their submissions must be precise and accurate, complete and comprehensive, relevant and appropriate, understandable in simple and rational terms, and delivered with politeness and due respect. He stressed that the main purpose of the entire exercise of Parliamentary oversight was to assist Parliament in demanding 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 to perform certain tasks.



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“Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation” -PM

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Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasooriya in her New Year message requested every Sri Lankan to resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation.

The full text of the PM’s message:

“Marking the auspicious transition of the sun from one planet to another, and the arrival of the spring season following the harvest, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated by the people of Sri Lanka since ancient times, has dawned once again.

The New Year is not merely a festive occasion; it symbolizes a renewal of prosperity, unity, coexistence, and the strengthening of mutual relationships embedded within our cultural values.

On this occasion, I extend my wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year to all Sri Lankans who celebrate this occasion with their families and loved ones, observing customs at the auspicious time.

A unique feature of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the way an entire nation comes together through a shared set of customs. Despite the demands and challenges of daily life, this season offers a valuable opportunity to move forward with renewed hope as families, communities and a nation.

The true blessing of the New Year lies in setting aside differences and grievances, and embracing a fresh beginning in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill. Especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, the courage, compassion and resilience shown by our people in facing various natural and economic hardships in recent times stand as an example to the world. It is our responsibility to carry forward that collective strength.

At this auspicious moment, I extend my greetings to our fellow Sri Lankans working overseas, who dedicate themselves to securing a better future for their families and for the country. In particular, I extend my thoughts for the safety and well-being of those living in the Middle East during these tumultuous times.

Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation. As we undertake in a significant social and political transformations, we remain committed to striving tirelessly towards a better future.

May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year be blessed with happiness and prosperity!”

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Sun directly overhead Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon today [14]

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On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (14th) are Nawaladi, Paranthan, Murasumodai, Vellikkandal, Udapattukkandal, Puliyampokkanei about 12:10 noon.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 13 April 2026, valid for 14 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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