The Samagi Jana Balawegaya says the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal yesterday evaded a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance in the same manner as Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa evaded Parliament.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, Parliamentarian Mayantha Dissanayake said Parliament has the authority over financial matters.
MP Dissanayake said the contribution of Parliament is essential in seeking solutions to the economic crisis.
The Parliamentarian said MP Dr. Harsha de Silva revealed in Parliament yesterday that the CBSL Governor and members of the Monetary Board have failed to appear before the COPF despite being summoned.
He questioned as to whom had instructed officials refrain from attending the COPF and whether Governor Cabraal is avoiding the summons due to having a Cabinet rank.
The MP said the Finance Minister is setting a negative precedent by failing to make statement on the financial situation in Parliament and to the public and by failing to respond to questions raised by the opposition.
He said such situation had never occurred in the country before.
MP Dissanayake called on the President to unite government and opposition political leaders and seek solutions to the prevailing crises.
Joining the media briefing, MP JC Alawathuwala responded to queries raised by media over the statement made by Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage in Parliament yesterday that a group of SJB MP would join the United National Party in a few days.
MP Alawathuwala said a response to Minister Aluthgamage’s statements are not warranted adding the farming community is well aware of the Minister’s actions.
The MP said the Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed a single grain of rice will be imported adding the Agriculture Minister is the core reason for a majority of the prevailing issues.
He said Minister Mahinda Amaraweera also stated Minister Aluthgamage’s are false.
MP Alawathuwala said the Agriculture Minister was attempting create a false crisis within the SJB in order to conceal conflicts within the government.
The Parliamentarian claimed there no conflicts within the ranks of the SJB.
MP Alawathuwala said the SJB is united in order to seek solutions for the issues faced by the public.
