I Quit! Eran Wickramaratne Steps Down from COPE

COLOMBO (News 1st); Samagi Jana Balavegaya parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne has resigned from his position in COPE with immediate effect.

In a letter to the speaker of parliament, the opposition lawmaker said that the duty of the Committee On Public Enterprises is to report to parliament on accounts examined, budgets and estimates, financial procedures, performances and management of corporations and other government business undertakings.

He said that even though reports to parliament have been submitted by COPE from time to time, no credible action has been taken against those who have engaged in corrupt practices or mismanagement.

He noted that the government has not permitted amendments to the Standing Orders allowing COPE to refer matters for investigation and be judicially pursued by direct reference to the relevant authorities, including CIABOC, and the Attorney General.

Wickramaratne noted that the previous government adopted a practice of appointing a COPE Chairman who was a member of the opposition to strengthen the principle that the legislature should be a check and balance on the executive arm of the government. The present government has not upheld that principle by appointing a member of the opposition as chairman, also contributing to the loss of confidence in parliament.

The opposition MP said that it was dissatisfying that members who have been appointed to COPE have allegations against their personal conduct, particularly in financial transactions.