The Hon. Sunil Handunnetti

¶ 01 I will take a little more time as well, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 02 Ask anyone which Minister pressured them—there is none. Today, independence has been established in the public service.

¶ 03 What do they mean by saying CIABOC is politicised? They mean it does not work as they wish. In the past, when Government power existed, bodies worked to suit the ruling party. That is not independence. Today, because independence is established, efficiency has increased in the public service and in State enterprises. Loss-making SOEs are turning profitable; those under risk are recovering. How?

¶ 04 We have only appointed Chairpersons and Boards—six or seven directors—to these entities. Yet efficiency has improved, wastage and corruption have declined, and profits have returned. Why? Because officials are now working beyond mere salaries, with satisfaction. Let me give examples, all under COPE oversight. Fourteen institutions that were in loss in 2024 recorded profits in the first half of 2025. For instance, Lanka Mineral Sands (under my Ministry) reported operating revenue of Rs. 617.8 million from 01.01.2024 to 30.06.2024; for 01.01.2025 to 30.06.2025, operating revenue was Rs. 873 million, with operating profit of Rs. 480 million. Also, Milco (Pvt) Ltd., National Paper Company, Kalubowitiyana Tea Factory, Gal Oya Plantation (Pvt) Ltd., Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board, and the Industrial Development Board—all under the Ministry of Industries—recorded profits in the first six months. This was not through politicisation but by giving independence and strength to work, guided by COPE’s directions.

¶ 05 We have also advanced legal and procedural reforms. For the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, we are moving to merge them, as informed to COPE. On regulation and licensing in the gem industry, by 18.03.2025 we recommended that after issuing a licence, details be publicly displayed down to Divisional Secretariat and Grama Niladhari Division levels, including at District Secretariats—so no one can mask figures. This is how wastage and corruption are stopped, transparency is ensured, and efficiency is created—leading to profitability.

¶ 06 Issues in gem import and re-export have been resolved, with physical inspection reports introduced. Many matters you highlighted and those from audit reports are being addressed. Institutions with many pending court cases—such as the National Gem and Jewellery Authority—are now functioning independently.

¶ 07 There are also institutions that were loss-making last year but have increased operating revenue and reduced losses this year—seven such entities: Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation, Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (University of Kelaniya), Sri Lanka Biotechnology (Pvt) Ltd., Palmyrah Development Board, Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation, and the Vijaya Kumaratunga Memorial Hospital.

¶ 08 Further, compared to last year, 58 State institutions have increased operating revenue in the first six months of this year. Among them are Paranthan Chemicals Company, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (General), Lanka Printing, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Colombo Lotus Tower Management (Pvt) Ltd., National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation, and especially Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) among several others. These institutions are now increasing operating profits.

¶ 09 For example, the operating revenue of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) was Rs. 21,875.208 million as at 31.12.2024; from 01.01.2025 to 30.06.2025, operating revenue was Rs. 27,249.24 million—an increase of 25%. I move that these details be included in the Hansard.

¶ 10 This is efficiency; this is what should happen in a country. Therefore, we are rebuilding public confidence in State enterprises. I view COPE’s work as fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to us by the people who appointed this Government. We know that the COPE Chair and the entire team are taking on an extra workload.

¶ 11 I draw the attention of the Secretary-General’s staff and the Hon. Speaker: officials of COPE and COPA do not receive timely training or opportunities for overseas exposure. They have only the facilities available to general staff. This must be improved. By strengthening these committee systems, in the coming years we can make Parliament more effective and restore public confidence. I wish strength and courage to our Chair and all Members and conclude my remarks.