The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, as a member of the Committee on Public Finance, I state with responsibility that a colossal theft has occurred. USD 2.5 million of public money is gone. Ultimately, this will be recovered through taxes on the people—none here will pay it from their pockets. There were maximum efforts to cover it up—even today we had to force this debate through Standing Orders after being refused in the party leaders’ meeting. When we used the Standing Orders, even that was resisted.

¶ 02 We summoned the Treasury Secretary and team to COPF—after repeated failures to attend earlier meetings. Serious lapses were evident, including failure to report to Parliament or COPF from late 2025 through January when these irregularities occurred. Responsibility lies with the President as Minister of Finance, the Deputy Minister, and the Treasury Secretary. Parliament is the guardian of public finance. COPF provides a confidential forum to examine sensitive matters—but this was concealed.

¶ 03 Red flags had emerged, yet actions proceeded—this is grave. Financial Regulations exist; but statements suggested FRs do not apply to the Ministry—these acts did not comply with FRs. There is an attempt to whitewash this as a minor lapse. USD 2.5 million is no small mistake. This burden will fall on innocent citizens through higher taxes. There are also legitimate doubts about the related death; even the spouse has voiced suspicions. We ask for a fair, thorough investigation so the people do not carry the cost of this massive theft.

¶ 04 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member.