News

Ex-COPE Chief warns against expanding committee’s powers

Published

7 months ago

2025/09/29

Former Chairperson of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Dr. Charitha Herath, has raised strong objections to a proposal to expand the Committee’s powers, warning that it could upset the country’s constitutional balance and undermine public administration.

In a statement issued yesterday, Dr. Herath said he was “seriously concerned” about the motion presented to Parliament under Standing Order 137 by current COPE Chairman Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera (NPP) seeking to amend Standing Order 120. The proposed amendment would allow COPE to refer its findings directly to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), or the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Full text of the statement: “As the former Chairperson of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), I wish to express my serious concern about the recent proposal submitted to Parliament under Standing Order 137 by the current COPE Chair, Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera (MP – NPP), to amend Standing Order 120.

“This proposal seeks to empower COPE to refer its findings and reports directly to investigative bodies such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

“I believe that this initiative risks undermining the delicate constitutional balance of powers between the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislature. Sri Lanka operates on a dual-ballot system in which the people grant governing authority to the President and Cabinet through a separate mandate. Parliamentary oversight committees, including COPE, were established as watchdog bodies — not as quasi-executive agencies — and must remain within that role.

“I am also deeply concerned about the competence and impartiality of such referrals. Members of parliamentary committees are often politically appointed and may not possess the technical expertise in public finance or administration necessary to make judgments of this nature. Without proper safeguards, this could open the door to politically motivated or legally ungrounded decisions.

“Furthermore, Secretaries of Ministries are appointed under constitutional authority and governed by established codes of conduct. Extending COPE’s powers to include direct referrals would erode this legal foundation, intimidate public servants, and risk creating confusion or paralysis in the state mechanism.

“If Parliament nonetheless proceeds with these amendments, I strongly urge the establishment of an intermediate review mechanism — such as an independent panel of legal and administrative experts — to vet COPE’s findings before any files are sent to law-enforcement agencies. Even the mere announcement that a file is being sent to the IGP or CIABOC can damage reputations and compromise the safety of public officers.

“Oversight is vital to democracy, but it must not become overreach. Any reform of COPE should strengthen its watchdog function without undermining constitutional principles or destabilising the administrative system.”

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

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 (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 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, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in Monaragala 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.

Latest News

“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/14

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.

We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.

Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.

In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.

As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.

As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!