Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 In this adjournment debate, we discuss the report tabled by the Chair of COPE and future actions. As a Member of COPE, I am pleased that both the report and the way forward have been substantially discussed.

¶ 03 COPE has functioned in Parliament since 1979 under a Government that implemented decisive policy changes regarding State enterprises, with COPE’s role limited mainly to reporting. We must understand that COPE was instituted within a paradigm that moved toward privatization of State institutions after 1977, and COPE’s reporting remit was thus constrained.

¶ 04 Public attention to COPE grew notably about a decade ago, largely due to televised proceedings, especially during Hon. Handunnetti’s time. Historically, COPE has not been used to ensure efficiency and profitability of SOEs. Resultantly, for decades we have discussed State enterprise losses—from SriLankan Airlines to the Cashew Corporation. That stemmed from deliberate policies to run down these entities. Our Government is decisively changing that policy, recognizing the vital role SOEs must play to protect citizens’ rights and deliver services—electricity, petroleum, transport, and productive sectors.

¶ 05 We currently have 457 institutions under COPE’s ambit; we have examined 14 within a short period and tabled four reports. A clear pattern emerges: SOEs are loss-making not because the State inherently cannot run enterprises, but because they were operated to serve political agendas. Hence expanding COPE’s authority as a Committee is important.

¶ 06 Regarding the 323-container issue raised today, the sustained emphasis appears designed to create a deflection and prevent substantive political discourse. The President has made clear that similar releases occurred 12 times previously under committee processes. No one then spoke of systemic reforms. Now, because “ice” (methamphetamine) is mentioned, ports and Customs are attacked. The real issue is that a weak regulatory environment was cultivated over years. We are addressing this, step by step. The President, as Minister of Finance, has ordered an investigation; necessary actions will follow, and matters needing further inquiry have been referred to the CID. Therefore, attempts to use the “ice” narrative for distraction will not work. We will proceed with reforms. Thank you.