Hon. Aravinda Senarath

¶ 01 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, I lay on the Table, in terms of Standing Order 119(3), the Second Report of the Committee on Public Accounts pertaining to inquiries conducted on 10.03.2025 and 21.03.2025 during the First Session of the Tenth Parliament regarding the Department of Motor Traffic.

¶ 03 Although COPA has examined many institutions, this Report is specifically presented due to the Department of Motor Traffic’s long-standing failure to implement clear audit recommendations issued as far back as 2012 and the serious irregularities identified during these inquiries.

¶ 04 Under Article 148 of the Constitution, Parliament exercises control over public finance, and by Standing Orders entrusts COPA with financial oversight of the monies voted for public expenditure. Therefore, upon the revelation of serious corruption and irregularities, it is the duty of Parliament, beyond party lines, to ensure that the law is enforced without delay under the applicable legal framework. We note that some institutions have already implemented recommendations and action has been taken including arrests and prosecutions of certain culpable officials, while further legal action is necessary with the intervention of the Attorney-General to recover large-scale revenue losses to the State.

¶ 05 I thank the Auditor-General and his staff for their vital contribution, and the COPA Secretary and staff for their efficient management and timely transmission of recommendations and records to the relevant authorities. I respectfully request time for a debate in Parliament on this Report to allow Members on both sides to express their views.