Editor’s Note:
The following is a response sent by the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), Dr. Harsha de Silva, regarding an article published by Hari Deshaya concerning recent appointments made at the Colombo Port City. In accordance with the 'Right to Reply', we publish his statement below. Our editorial response to this communication will be published in due course.Statement by Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chairman, COPF:
“As Chairman of the COPF I reject the accusation that our committee has acted in any way to justify an inappropriate appointment to the Port City Commission as its head of legal operations. While it is not within the scope of our committee to examine the staff recruitment process of the PCC, which is entirely their responsibility, it is certainly within the scope of the COPF, the examination of procedures on how various fiscal incentives are proposed and approved for investments in the jurisdiction as such incentives have a direct bearing on public finance.
A recent matter of concern was how certain real estate companies were advertising various incentives to purchase apartments inside the Port City without first obtaining parliamentary approval for same. After the committee raised objections the PCC halted the said companies from advertising until approval was granted. Another matter, perhaps two years ago, was the committee’s refusal to accept a gazette issued by the PCC declaring a list of items that could be purchased duty free, once again without parliamentary approval. A long debate that ensued with regard to the powers of the PCC finally resulted in the said gazette being rescinded and the exit of its then head of legal operations. There have been other instances where the COPF had made observations that led to amending regulations.
All the above were matters related to public finance. Therefore, while the COPF has no control on who should head legal affairs at the PCC, our committee expects persons with requisite knowledge and experience are placed at responsible positions so that matters related to public finance are handled appropriately.
In any case the PCC is expected to be present at our committee’s hearings in the next couple of weeks and our members will have the opportunity to clarify any concerns regarding this matter during the session. I thank you on behalf of the COPF.”
Harsha de Silva,
Chairman, COPF.