Public Finance Committee (PFC) Chairman MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says he rejected a report sent to him privately regarding the alleged fraudulent transfer of US$2.5 million belonging to the Ministry of Finance, insisting that it be formally submitted to Parliament for review by the committee.

Addressing the matter at a PFC meeting, de Silva said the committee had previously requested a report from the Finance Ministry Secretary on the transaction, along with all relevant documentation. The ministry had been given four weeks to submit the report.

While a report was subsequently prepared, de Silva said it was sent to him personally for his “private perusal”, a move he said was unacceptable as the report had been requested by the committee and not by him in his personal capacity.

“I am a representative of the people and currently serve as Chairman of the Public Finance Committee. The report was requested for the committee to examine and discuss, not for my personal review,” he said.

De Silva said he refused to accept the report and arranged for it to be returned through Parliament, stressing that parliamentary committees have a constitutional responsibility to oversee matters relating to public finances.

He said all members of the committee agreed that the report should be formally submitted to Parliament and made available to committee members for examination.

The PFC has now directed the relevant authorities to submit the report through Parliament by Wednesday. Once received, committee members will review the findings before taking up the matter for discussion at a future meeting.

De Silva said attempts to bypass established parliamentary procedures undermine accountability and democratic oversight, particularly in matters involving public funds and allegations of financial misconduct.

The report relates to an alleged fraudulent transfer of US$2.5 million belonging to the Ministry of Finance, a matter currently under scrutiny by the Public Finance Committee. (Newswire)

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