The Committee on Public Finance held its inaugural meeting yesterday (6) under the leadership of Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha de Silva, who was recently appointed Chair by the Committee of Selection in accordance with Parliamentary Standing Orders.
In his opening address, Dr. de Silva provided an overview of the Committee’s functions and its past work, followed by an open discussion involving Committee Members and attending officials.
During the session, Ministry of Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena and Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe presented the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report 2024 and an analysis of recent economic developments along with future outlooks. The Committee subsequently approved the report.
The Committee also recognized Dr. Weerasinghe’s contributions to economic recovery and congratulated him on being named LMD’s ‘Sri Lankan of the Year.’
Additionally, the Committee reviewed and approved the Annual Work Programme of the National Audit Office – 2025, with provisions for potential revisions if necessary.
The meeting saw participation from Deputy Ministers Harshana Suriyaperuma and Chathuranga Abeysinghe, alongside Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Harshana Rajakaruna, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Arkam Ilyas, Nimal Palihena, Wijesiri Basnayake, Thilina Samarakoon, and Lakmali Hemachandra. Parliament Assistant Secretary General Hansa Abeyratne also attended the proceedings.
