Free Lawyers Organization Warns Finance Secretary Over Parliamentary Committee Absence

The Free Lawyers Organization (FLO) has issued a statement warning of potential penalties for Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma following his reported decision not to appear before the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). Represented by former Governor Ranjith Keerthi Tennakoon, the FLO stated that Dr. Suriyapperuma had communicated in writing his refusal to attend the parliamentary committee. The organization emphasized that COPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva possesses the authority to impose penalties through parliamentary mechanisms. This power is rooted in Parliamentary Standing Order 121, established in 2022, and provisions within the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act, which allow for action against individuals violating standing orders. The FLO further accused the Finance Secretary of disregarding Parliament's financial oversight, particularly in the context of an alleged "Treasury robbery" that reportedly remains unaddressed by relevant authorities for seven days.