COPA raises glaring issues in state sector

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A media briefing was convened today to appraise the media on the Report of the Committee of Public Accounts (COPA). Chairman of COPA Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna stated that almost 51% of the ministries had not maintained a proper fixed asset register and that 53% of the country's ministries, 46% of its departments and 60% of District secretaries have not maintained a special expenses ledger. He added that an audit committee should be appointed for each quarter but noted that 37% of the ministries have not maintained an audit committee for 2016. COPA member MP Nihal Galappaththi stated that although they do not have the capacity to punish those high ranking public officials who have willingly or unwillingly permitted the misuse of public funds, that they do have the capacity to apprise and consult the speaker of parliament, the president and the prime minister on this matter. He further stated that they are now considering if they could, through the Attorney General's Department, take actions against such officials and bring them to book.