2024-01-11
News Categories : Committee News
The Committee on Public Finance reconsidered the Regulations under Section 71 read with Section 52(5) of the Colombo Port City Economic Commissions Act, No. 11 of 2021. This was reconsidered at the Committee on Public Finance held recently (Jan. 09) under the Chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva.
In the course of examining the legality of Duty-Free Rules issued by the Port City Commission for Duty-Free Malls during a prior Committee meeting, the Committee sought the opinion of the Attorney General. As a result, it was revealed that the Commission lacks the authority to establish such rules, highlighting a policy inconsistency that could lead to market distortion and potential cannibalization.
The officials from the Port City Commission, who were present, acknowledged the error and assured that the rules would be revoked by the end of this week. However, when the Committee sought clarification on the individual responsible for these erroneous decisions, considering that the Port City Commission had entered agreements with four investors based on these rules, there was a noticeable absence of accountability. The Committee expressed strong dissatisfaction during the inquiry, as no official stepped forward to take responsibility.
In light of the evident lack of clarity and accountability and the issues brought to the forefront, the Committee was of the opinion that a thorough reconsideration of the mentioned Regulation was warranted. Consequently, the Committee directed the Ministry of Investment Promotion to identify the responsible party and outline measures to prevent similar errors in the future. This action was deemed essential to safeguard against potential discouragement of future investments.
Furthermore, the Committee on Public Finance considered Gazette Extraordinary No. 2334/39, as per Section 24 of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka Law, No. 4 of 1978. This gazette outlines a proposal by the BOI to amend regulations, permitting non-BOI or Section 16 BOI companies to attain Section 17 approval with exemptions for specific sectors and criteria. Such amendments would expedite Foreign Direct Investments and facilitate collaborations between foreign companies and existing BOI entities, enabling them to benefit from customs duty exemptions.
After meticulous examination, the Committee approved the aforementioned Regulation to be presented to Parliament. This decision was made with confidence, as the proposed amendments maintained consistent thresholds for companies registering for Section 17, ensuring there were no discrepancies introduced.
Furthermore, a discussion ensued regarding the proposed strategy for ensuring equitable VAT treatment for both foreign and domestic providers of software and digital services. It was revealed that, as previously deliberated in the Committee meeting, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) concurs with the idea of applying VAT to domestic and foreign software and digital service providers based on the jurisdiction of the consumer rather than the jurisdiction in which a particular business operates. However, officials from the IRD highlighted administrative challenges associated with implementing this VAT on foreign providers. Despite these challenges, the Committee on Public Finance directed the IRD to present a comprehensive plan addressing these administrative issues and ensuring the appropriate implementation of the law within one week.
State Minister Hon. (Dr.) Suren Raghavan and Members of Parliament Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Hon. Chandima Weerakkody, Hon. (Dr.) Nalaka Godahewa, Hon. Nimal Lanza, Hon. Premnath C. Dolawatte, Hon. Madhura Withanage, Hon. Mayantha Dissanayake, Hon. Rauff Hakeem, Hon. M. W. D. Sahan Pradeep, Hon. (Dr.) Major Pradeep Undugoda, Hon. Isuru Dodangoda were present at the Committee meeting held.
2025-11-18
Attention of the Committee on Ways & Means was drawn to the Social Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme, its procedures, and related operational issues. This took place when the Committee met in Parliament on 12.11.2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Wijesiri Basnayake. During this meeting, officials of the Welfare Benefits Board briefed the Committee on the manner in which the Social Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme is currently being implemented. The Committee also held an extensive discussion on the criteria used for selecting individuals eligible for the Social Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme. Members of the Committee pointed out to the officials that several issues had arisen in identifying the most appropriate beneficiaries through these criteria. The Committee noted that since individuals are selected under 22 criteria, there should be a change in the mechanism used to implement these criteria. It was further highlighted by the Committee that, at present, individuals are allowed to register only for the purpose of receiving benefits, but what is required is that all individuals in the entire country should enter all their information into a single system (a Social Registry). Once registered in this way, their precise needs can be identified and necessary measures can then be taken to cater to those needs. The Committee also held an extensive discussion regarding the possibility of delivering welfare benefits directly to the homes of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Officials further informed the Committee that although some individuals are eligible for benefits, they are unable to receive them due to not possessing a National Identity Card. Accordingly, the Committee emphasized the importance of verifying their identities and ensuring that they receive the intended welfare benefits. Hon. Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha, Hon. Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, and Nishantha Jayaweera and Hon. Members of Parliament Attorney-at-Law Sujeewa Senasinghe, K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Rohana Bandara, Chathura Galappaththi, and Thilina Samarakoon and a group of officials, participated in this meeting.
2025-11-17
The progress of drafting the National Higher Education Policy was discussed at the Subcommittee on Higher Education, appointed under the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training. This discussion took place at the meeting of the Subcommittee held in Parliament on the Nov. 11th, chaired by Hon. Deputy Minister Dr. Madhura Senevirathne. At this meeting, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, presented her views to the committee regarding the prepared draft and the current progress, noting that the draft document is expected to be completed by the end of November. A follow-up review was also conducted on the matters discussed at the previous committee meeting, including the review of approved university staff structures, the admission of students with disabilities to universities, and improving the quality of external degree programmes. Hon. Members of Parliament and a group of officials, including Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, participated in this meeting.
2025-11-15
The Sectoral Oversight Committee meets for two days to review the fiscal and physical progress of the 2025 budget proposals of several ministries The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has proposed to the Ministry of Environment that it should take the initiative to produce an environmentally friendly paper bag that can be used as an alternative to polythene (sili sili) bags. This proposal was presented by the Committee during its discussion to impose a charge for sili sili bags when purchasing goods. The Chair of the Committee inquired from the officials present whether it should be examined if such measures would actually reduce the use of polythene. The Chair also questioned the officials as to which party had decided the amount to be charged for these bags. The officials pointed out that the gazette notification does not specify that a fee should be charged for sili sili bags. The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability met in Parliament on the 10th and 12th of November 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Hector Appuhamy. At this meeting, discussions were held on the financial and physical progress of the budget proposals for the year 2025 of the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Marine Resources, and the Ministry of Environment. Several annual reports and performance reports of a number of institutions were also reviewed and subsequently approved. Hon. Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, and Hon. Members of Parliament Gnanamuththu Srineshan, Roshan Akmeemana, Chathuri Gangani, Susantha Kumara Nawarathna, Kitnan Selvaraj, Bhagya Sri Herath, Attorney at Law, Chithral Fernando, Attorney at Law, J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney at Law, and Upul Kithsiri also participated in this Committee meeting.
2025-11-15
An interim report containing proposals and ideas for establishing the necessary framework and formal institution to develop a structured salary scheme and enhance professionalism in the public service was presented to the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government by the Chairman of the appointed subcommittee, Hon. Member of Parliament Chandana Sooriyarachchi. This was presented during a meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, chaired by Hon. Minister (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abeyrathna, recently (Nov. 13) at Parliament. During the meeting, matters raised by Members of Parliament regarding the issues prevailing in Divisional Secretariats and Local Government institutions were discussed. Accordingly, the committee chairman instructed the relevant officials to take necessary measures regarding these matters. Furthermore, proposals were made concerning the granting of pension benefits related to the positions previously held by individuals who became Members of Parliament after completing more than ten years of service in the public sector. As Members of Parliament who resign from their government positions do not qualify for a parliamentary pension, the necessity of considering this matter was also discussed. The committee chairman stated that further discussions will be held in the future and that attention will be directed towards this matter accordingly. It was also discussed that confusion has arisen within the public service due to changes made by the Public Service Commission to the efficiency bar cut-off marks listed in service minutes, recruitment schemes, and promotion procedures. Ministry officials stated that steps would be taken to reconsider this issue. Hon. Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government P. Ruwan Senarath, Members of Parliament who serve on the committee, and several public officials participated in this committee meeting.
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