Speaker to table CBSL Forensic Audit in Parliament

Colombo (News 1st): Speaker Karu Jayasuriya decided to table the forensic audit reports on the Central Bank bond issue in parliament today (Jan 21). The speaker noted that a large amount of state funds were spent to compile the forensic audit reports and since Parliament has complete powers over public finances, it is prudent to make the report available to all Parliamentarians rather than only those who are members of the Committee on Public Enterprises, confirming his powers to take decisions independently, without the interference of any external parties. He added that he has also taken into consideration the decision taken by former speaker, Anura Bandaranaike. He went onto note that he has also considered the provisions of the constitution stated in section 2 of article 14. Accordingly, he has decided that it is appropriate to table the forensic audit on the treasury bond issue of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Speaker Jayasuriya believes that this decision will not affect any ongoing or future court proceedings linked to such transactions.

MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake: Parliament has the entire authority over money-related affairs in our country. Honorable Speaker, therefore, please give us two days within this week for debate. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya: I cannot make that decision alone. We will discuss that matter by convening a party leaders meeting. Min. Mahinda Amaraweera: All the culprits who were involved in this theft should be punished immediately under your purview. MP Ajith P. Perera: While the actual wrongdoers are roaming free, serious allegations have been leveled against people who are not even remotely connected to the crime. Therefore this debate must be held immediately. State Min. Nimal Lanza: As the Government, we are ready for this debate. I think we will be able to talk about the people who shut down the footnote gang. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya: We shall take up the debate after discussing with the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition. MP Hesha Vithanage: It is surprising to me as to how some of the MPs and Ministers in the ruling party do not like this. Therefore I request you, not to be afraid of this revelation. Let the people know of these reports. MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake: I thank you for safeguarding the honor of Parliament by taking steps to present this in Parliament while the Attorney General took steps to prevent the reports from being public. But I request you not to just keep this on the table but to convene the party leaders for discussions and take up the debate immediately. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya: I will present your request to the ruling party and the opposition. We can release the report today and will put it to the library. MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake: You will put it to the library today? It will take sometime to give out the copies? Speaker Karu Jayasuriya: Yes. MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake: How many copies will be presented from the library? Speaker: We only have one. Min. Dinesh Gunawardena: Today you named the Committee of Selection. That Committee has the power of appointing any other committee in the Parliament. Only after those committees are appointed can we move on to take other decisions. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya: This Parliament only has 6 more days. Opp. Leader Sajith Premadasa: We can appoint the Business Committee and the Selection Committee. But I request as we have no obstacle to hold the party leaders meeting, we go ahead with it. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya: Yes we can hold talks. Min. Dinesh Gunawardena: You clearly know that the Business Committee is appointed to carry out the Parliamentary affairs in a proper manner. Therefore we cannot stray away from that fact. We are not ready to prevent any debate from taking place inside this Parliament.