(VIDEO) Harsha slams FM, CBSL Chief & Monetary Board for failure to appear

COLOMBO (News 1st); Samagi Jana Balavegaya Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva has questioned the existence of parliament if Ministers are not present to respond to the concerns of the members of the house.

A vocal opposition member, De Silva said the Finance Minister has not been seen in Parliament for three months, and the Governor of the Central Bank has also disregarded the notices given by the parliament.

Dr. Harsha De Silva revealed in Parliament that the Central Bank Governor and the Monetary Board were instructed by the Committee on Public Finance to appear before the committee to discuss the VAT increases, however, they disregarded the notice and failed to appear.

"This is an insult to Parliament," said De Silva.

The Bill to amend the Value Added Tax Act No. 14 of 2002 was passed in the Committee on Public Finance on Monday (22).

On Thursday (24), Dr. Harsha De Silva said Parliament is Supreme when it comes to any democratic matter, including Public Finance.

He slammed the Central Bank Governor and the Monetary Board of Mrs. Rani Jayamaha, Samantha Kumarasinghe, and Sanjeewa Jayawardena, PC for their failure to make an appearance at the Committee on Public Finance.

"The failure of Nivard Cabraal and his group to be present at the Committee on Public Finance is a blatant disregard of Parliamentary Traditions. No one has a right to do that. If that is the case, why do we need a parliament?" said the MP.