The Hon. Nanda Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, at the time of adjournment, I address a question to the Hon. Prime Minister regarding the “President’s Fund”. The President’s Fund is an institution established by Act No. 7 of 1978 of the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and named to commemorate the assumption of office by President J. R. Jayewardene.

¶ 02 It commenced with an initial capital of Rs. 21.5 million received from donors. The primary responsibility lies with the President and the Board of Governors of the President’s Fund for its management. The accounts of the President’s Fund are audited annually by the Auditor-General. Over time, depending on political biases, objectives expected of the Fund have not been met and funds have been misused for political henchmen. Hon. Prime Minister, the President’s Fund has been modernized by the National People’s Power Government with several new objectives. Accordingly, I raise the following:

¶ 03 01. Who are the current Members of the Board of Governors of the President’s Fund?

¶ 04 02. Has the amount of benefits granted by the President’s Fund been increased? If so, how? What are the special objectives?

¶ 05 03. What measures have been taken by the present Government to simplify the services provided by the President’s Fund?

¶ 06 04. What steps have been taken to ensure transparency with regard to assistance provided by the President’s Fund?