The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I present the Reports of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Sustainable Use of Resources on:

¶ 02 Report 1: (i) Annual Report of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation for 2019; (ii) Annual Performance Report of the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka for 2023; (iii) Annual Reports of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation for 2022 and 2023; (iv) Performance Report of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for 2024; and (v) Annual Report of the Boundaries Seiner Foundation for 2020.

¶ 03 Report 2: (i) Performance Reports of the Department of Agrarian Development for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; (ii) Annual Performance Report of the Department of Animal Production and Health for 2024; and (iii) Annual Reports of the Sri Lanka National Programme for Eradication of Rabies (National Food Promotion Board) for 2018 and 2021.

¶ 04 Report 3: Annual Reports of the Janatha Estates Development Board for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

¶ 05 Ordered to lie upon the Table.

¶ 06 Hon. Speaker, a brief clarification. When reviewing these reports and granting approval from our Committee, we noted recurring issues flagged in past audit reports; some remain unresolved. When we take decisions, rather than merely tabling and approving, it would be valuable if time can be allotted to have discussions with the audit authorities at relevant stages. Our aim through these Committees is to guide institutions onto the correct path, so consultations with the audit division before approvals would be useful.