Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says all state institutions that have to date failed to submit financial reports to parliament must be made to do so prior to the reading of the budget. Speaking in parliament yesterday Gunawardena revealed that a large number of state agencies have failed to submit their annual reports and other financial documents to the parliament for a number of years.
“I would like to bring to the attention of both the Speaker and the parliament an important fact that has not been included in the Committee on Public Accounts report. For many years relevant state institutions have not taken steps to present their accounts and annual financial reports to parliament. Both parties have continuously claimed that the power relating to state finances lies with the parliament through the constitution. However these agencies have not carried out their duties during the governance of both these parties,” the Prime Minister said.
The PM requested Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to either summon the relevant heads of institutions before parliament or issue a directive ordering them to submit the relevant documents prior to the Budget. He said only then will the duties of the parliament on state finance will be given due respect.
In response, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella pointed out that a government MP headed the Committee on Public Accounts till recently. “He should have been summoned for these reports,” he said.
