The Hon. (Dr.) Nishantha Samaraweera

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, this concerns a breach of privilege of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Parliament generally.

¶ 02 A former Director of the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA), Mr. Susanta Liyanarachchi, convened a media conference and publicly, in indecent and insulting language, criticized the functions of COPE, insulted its Chair and the Committee, and also insulted the present Chairman of the Authority, Prof. Chandana Jayalath.

¶ 03 On 08.10.2025 at 1.30 p.m., COPE met to examine the Auditor General’s Reports for 2022–2023 and current performance of CIDA. One matter in the Auditor General’s summary report was expenditure by the Authority on litigation opposing the termination of service of its former Director (Finance): Rs. 1,615,000 incurred in 2021; failure to implement the court’s judgment thereafter, and further payments of Rs. 1,750,000 and Rs. 10,820,000 as legal fees; and an ongoing case with Rs. 625,000 per appearance. The COPE Chair inquired into this.

¶ 04 In response, Mr. Liyanarachchi—then a Board member—held a press conference and, using abusive language, harshly criticized the Chair’s inquiries, and challenged the Chair and COPE’s recommendations. This challenges the freedom of the Chair and Members to perform their duties as people’s representatives. This violates Section 3 of the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, among other provisions. Prof. Chandana Jayalath has also requested necessary action by letter dated 13.10.2025.

¶ 05 Summons were issued under Section 22 of the Act to the Authority’s Chairman, Director-General, all Board Members, Board Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Internal Auditor, and any required official. Those appearing are protected under Sections 15 and 16. Clarifications were provided at COPE by the current Chairman and accounting officers. Mr. Liyanarachchi has publicly criticized these clarifications.

¶ 06 Accordingly, we observe breaches including: 1) Violation of Section 3 (freedom of speech and proceedings in Parliament and its Committees cannot be impeached or questioned in court). 2) Violations of Sections 22(2) and 22(3). 3) Commission of offences punishable only by the Supreme Court under items 5, 7, and 8 of Schedule “A” (publishing false or perverted reports of proceedings; defamatory statements about Parliament or an MP). 4) Publication of Committee proceedings before reporting to Parliament (Schedule “A”, item 9).

¶ 07 Further, two issues regarding conduct at the COPE sitting: - Prof. Chithra Wedikkara (Board Member) violated the prescribed dress code in the summons letter and, when asked to remain outside Committee Room 05, left the premises before the sitting concluded without permission. - Architect Jayantha Perera (Board Member) also left before conclusion without permission.

¶ 08 These acts amount to willful disobedience of lawful orders under the Act’s Schedule “C”, and to breaches of Section 22. As COPE has already resolved on 22.10.2025 to refer this matter to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to safeguard parliamentary processes, I kindly request action against these breaches of privilege.