2023-01-20
News Categories : Committee News
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) met on 19.01.2023 under the chairmanship of Hon. (Prof.) Ranjith Bandara to look into the current performance of the Consumer Affairs Authority. Accordingly, attention was paid to the following points.
1. A proposal to make necessary recommendations to protect the consumer rights
COPE raised questions regarding the responsibility of the Consumer Affairs Authority. The committee was of the opinion that although the main responsibility of the Authority is to protect consumer rights through empowering consumers, streamlining trade and good promotions, the Authority is not working according to that vision. Accordingly, the Committee recommended the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security to report to COPE within two weeks how the Consumer Affairs Authority can deal with the protection of consumer rights.
2. A program that goes beyond traditional strategies to control commodity prices
The Authority was also told to prepare a program that goes beyond traditional price control to control commodity prices. The committee's attention was particularly focused on the current egg price control. Thus, instructions were given for the two Secretaries to the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture to coordinate with the relevant officials to prepare a price formula to determine the price of an egg within three days and to give instructions to calculate the relevant cost for an egg accordingly. Thus, it was decided to summon the Secretaries to the Committee on Wednesday.
3. Suggestions to solve the existing problems in determining the price of eggs
The committee also asked the secretaries to the Ministries to present solutions to solve the obstacles to the government's decision to import eggs with the aim of providing eggs at subsidized prices to the people.
It was emphasized here that by preventing the import of eggs, injustice cannot be allowed to happen to the entire public of Sri Lanka for the sake of a handful of large-scale egg businessmen and therefore, all institutions should coordinate to determine a minimum price for eggs or take steps to import eggs.
In order to protect the consumer by maintaining a control price for eggs, as well as the need for the consumer affairs authority and other relevant institutions to operate in good coordination in matters such as egg import, it was emphasized here.
4. An immediate placement for a permanent Director General of the Consumer Authority
The consumer affairs authority was also instructed to act promptly to appoint a permanent Director General. It was disclosed that there has only been an Acting Director General appointed for many years now. It was also disclosed at the committee that this position is vacant since the retirement of the former Acting Director General last December. The Auditor General pointed out that in the absence of a Director General, it will not be possible to implement certain powers of the Act. Accordingly, the COPE Chairman advised to consult with the Department of Management Services and take necessary steps to recruit the Director General, one of the most important positions in the organization.
He also instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to appoint an Acting Director General within two weeks.
5. Inform within a week regarding the action taken for the purpose of updating the Authority Act
Since the updating of the Consumer Authority Act No. 09 of 2003 has been delayed, it was instructed to report to COPE within a week the planned method and to appoint a committee at the ministerial level and take to necessary steps immediately. The Secretary to the Ministry informed the committee about the progress of amending the Act. The committee emphasized the need to speed up the amendment of this Act as it has been delayed for 17 years.
6. A program for more effective employment of graduates
The COPE Chairman also instructed the secretary to the Ministry to propose to COPE within a month a program to increase the performance and productivity levels of nearly 400 graduates currently holding various responsibilities in the Authority with relevant Performance Level Indicators (KPIs). Attention was also paid to the non-implementation and not providing prompt response to consume complaints. Accordingly, the committee emphasized the need to act quickly to employ these graduates more effectively.
7. A concrete plan in line with the revised Act is expected within three months
Since there is no concrete plan for the Authority so far, the chairman of COPE informed that a feasible concrete plan should be prepared and reported to the committee within three months in accordance with the amended Act. It was also pointed out that this compact plan should be implemented by targeting the existing problems, customer issues, raids etc. as well as the implementation of the vision, objectives and mission of the institution.
8. Need for a research unit and data bank
It was also informed to initiate a specified research unit for the consumer affairs authority. The need for a research unit was pointed out in order to make more accurate decisions as the authority constantly relies on production, market and consumer data in fulfilling its responsibilities. The need to maintain a data bank related to import, production and business was also discussed here.
9. A proposal that a program should be urgently established for the coordination of the authority and various related institutions to protect consumer rights.
COPE also informed that a program should be urgently established for the coordination of the authority and various institutions related to it in order to protect consumer rights.
State Ministers Hon. Janaka Wakkumbura, Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, Hon. Indika Anuruddha, Hon. D. V. Chanaka, Hon. Shantha Bandara, Members of Parliament Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Hon. Nimal Lanza, Hon. Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Hon. (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya, Hon. Premnath C. Dolawatte, Hon. Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha, Hon. Madhura Withanage were present at the Committee meeting held.
Furthermore, officials including Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Mr. P. M. B Athapattu, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Chairman to the Consumer Affairs Authority Mr. Shantha Niriella were also present at this Committee meeting held.
2025-11-08
Jointly organized by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The “Bridging Voices: Regional Exchange for Women Leaders” forum was held in Jaffna, marking a significant first step toward building a peer-to-peer mentorship network linking women leaders from across Sri Lanka. The forum was jointly organized by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka. The event brought together national and subnational women leaders from Parliament, local government, education, and business sectors to share experiences, discuss barriers, and identify practical solutions to strengthen women’s leadership. The dialogue was attended by Hon. Minister of Women and Child Affairs and Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj, alongside WPC members Hon. Deputy Chair of Committees (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Members of Parliament Hasara Liyanage, Thushari Jayasingha, Anushka Thilakarathne, and M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani. Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP Sri Lanka, and Mr. Chathuranga Hapuarachchi, Parliament and Media Specialist, UNDP Sri Lanka, joined the discussions together with senior government officials from the Northern Province and representatives from the University of Jaffna. The forum resulted in a shared commitment to create a sustainable mentorship network and develop a report capturing key insights and recommendations from women leaders in the North. This report will support the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in advancing evidence-based policy decisions that address challenges faced by women in leadership and strengthen inclusive governance across Sri Lanka.
2025-11-08
“If the services you provide truly satisfy persons with disabilities, that same satisfaction will reflect back on you as a service provider.” - Hon. Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva A special district-level Consultation Programme on Improving Disability Inclusive Service Delivery was held on 4th November 2025 at the Skill Development Centre of the Kilinochchi District Secretariat, under the patronage of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities. In line with the aspiration of creating a “Disability-Sensitive Parliament” the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities of the 10th Parliament, has initiated a series of consultation programmes across the island to gather direct opinions from persons with disabilities. Accordingly, the first phase of this initiative was conducted with a focus on the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. This special programme was chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities Sugath Wasantha de Silva, with the participation of Hon. Member of Parliament and Deputy Co-Chair of the Caucus (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam. Nearly 100 participants attended the programme, including Kilinochchi District Secretary Mr. S. Muralitharan, Mullaitivu Additional District Secretary Ms. Satheesan Manjuladevi, representatives of local government institutions, Divisional Secretaries, officials representing the health sector and the police, representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, and persons with disabilities. The programme was conducted with the sponsorship and logistical support of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) with the funding support from Australian Government and, in collaboration with the District Secretariats of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. Ms. Anojitha Sivaskaran, Programme Officer of IFES, was also present on this occasion. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Sugath Wasantha de Silva, MP, requested all government officials to treat persons with disabilities who approach them for services with compassion and to ensure their needs are properly met. He emphasized that by viewing issues from the perspective of persons with disabilities, officials can better identify their true needs, and that the joy reflected in the smiles of satisfied service recipients can bring fulfillment to one’s professional life. He further noted that steps have been taken to amend the existing Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, incorporating changes that reflect developments over the past two decades. The proposed amendments also aim to include over 25 rights outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Alongside this, a National Policy and National Action Plan for persons with disabilities are being formulated. Deputy Co-Chair Hon. MP (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of conducting such programmes in the Northern Province, where the needs of persons with disabilities are significant. He further stressed that the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities of the Tenth Parliament stands above political divisions in pursuing necessary legal and policy reforms for the benefit of persons with disabilities. He also announced that the national programme marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be held this year in the Jaffna District. Additionally, he emphasized the continued importance of police support in enforcing road safety and compliance with traffic regulations. Kilinochchi District Secretary Mr. S. Muralitharan and Mullaitivu Additional District Secretary Ms. Satheesan Manjuladevi also expressed their views, noting that the current government benefits provided to persons with disabilities are insufficient to fully meet their needs, and highlighted the necessity of policy decisions to increase such benefits in the future. During the discussions, participants addressed a wide range of issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts, including the services that can be provided and improved at the local institutional level. Topics discussed in depth included; Shortage of social service officers, the need for a nationally recognized identity card for persons with disabilities, employment opportunities and security, difficulties in accessing health and transport services, provision of land for self-employment ventures, need for sign language interpretation services, issues related to issuing driving licenses to persons with disabilities, need for trained teachers for students with disabilities and availability of better-equipped schools in the district. The Caucus also presented recommendations and possible solutions to the matters raised. Following the consultation, the Chair of the Caucus stated that the Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities will coordinate with relevant ministries and Parliament to implement necessary policy reforms. Officials present also assured that District Secretariats will follow up to ensure the proper implementation of decisions and improvements in local service delivery.
2025-11-08
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital instructed the respective officials to obtain the necessary human resources, at least on a temporary basis, to commence the studies of the 17th batch of students at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, of the University of Ruhuna. University authorities stated that although the students who sat for the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination in 2023 and were granted university admission were selected to the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of the University of Ruhuna, more than a year has lapsed without commencing their academic activities due to the shortage of human resources prevailing at the faculty. This matter was discussed at the recent meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital held in Parliament under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Hesha Withanage. The Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, also participated in this committee meeting. Expressing views during the discussion, university authorities presented to the Committee the facts regarding the shortage of human resources at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of the University of Ruhuna. However, they stated that necessary measures are currently being taken to provide the required human resources. Speaking at the meeting, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa emphasized that due to the problem that has arisen, approximately 250 students are facing severe torment. He stressed the importance of commencing academic activities by obtaining the required human resources or on least on a temporary basis in order to resolve this issue. Accordingly, the university officials stated that they expect to implement the necessary measures promptly in consultation with the Ministry of Education to commence the academic activities of the 17th batch of students of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. Meanwhile, the fiscal and physical progress of the budget proposals for the year 2025 of the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as the expected progress up to 31.12.2025, were also considered at this Committee meeting. At the meeting, the Secretaries of the respective ministries pointed out that due to several challenging situations affecting the overall performance, it has not been possible to achieve the expected level of progress. They further stated that due to issues prevailing in the procurement process and in building construction, the expected progress could not be attained; however, since only a short period remains for this year, they expect to improve the relevant progress within that time. This meeting was attended by Hon. Members of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva, Sunil Rajapaksha, and Chanaka Madugoda, along with Secretaries and officials of the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and Youth Affairs and Sports, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna, the Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and members of the academic staff.
2025-11-06
A high-level Chinese delegation led by Hon. Wang Guosheng, Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of its Economic Affairs Committee, today (Nov. 06) met with a group of Parliamentary committee members. Accordingly, the delegation met with members of the, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations and other Members of Parliament at the Parliamentary premises. The delegation also participated in a luncheon meeting hosted by Hon. Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvi Salih, during which discussions were held on further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries. During the discussions, the delegation reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expressed their intention to encourage Chinese investment in Sri Lanka across multiple sectors. Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means Hon. Member of Parliament Wijesiri Basnayake; Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations Hon. Member of Parliament Lakmali Hemachandra (Attorney-at-Law); and Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Sujeewa Senasinghe (Attorney-at-Law), K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Ruwan Mapalagama, and Chathura Galappaththi participated in the discussions. Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Director (Legislative Services) and Acting Director (Communication) Mr. M. Jayalath Perera and a group of Parliamentary officials were also present at this meeting. During the meeting, the chair of the Committee on Ways and Means Hon. Member of Parliament Wijesiri Basnayake emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between Sri Lanka and China, noting that this visit further strengthens their longstanding bilateral relations. He expressed appreciation for China’s continued support in various fields and highlighted that the recent visit of Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to China had further enhanced this partnership. Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Wang Guosheng described Sri Lanka as a close friend of China and reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing cooperation in diverse areas including tourism, trade, and investment. He also noted that they hope to encourage more Chinese enterprises to explore the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations Hon. Member of Parliament Lakmali Hemachandra (Attorney-at-Law) requested the Chinese delegation’s assistance in advancing Sri Lanka’s industrial sector, emphasizing the nation’s focus on sustainable economic development and technology-driven growth. She also conveyed her sincere gratitude for the hospitality extended to the Sri Lankan delegation during their visit a few months earlier. Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake and Sujeewa Senasinghe (Attorney-at-Law) underscored the need to deepen economic cooperation and explore opportunities for establishing manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka. Members of the Chinese delegation included Hon. Fu Zhifang, Member of the CPPCC National Committee and Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Committee; Hon. Mao Digzhi, Member of the CPPCC Economic Affairs Committee; Mr. Liu Huanxing, Director of the Office of the CPPCC Economic Affairs Committee; Mr. Zhang Jinjie, Director of the Fiscal and Economic Division of the CPPCC Economic Affairs Committee; and H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships between Sri Lanka and China.
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