Harsha Rejects Personal Report on US$2.5 Million Fraud

05-Jun-2026

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Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), Dr. Harsha de Silva, has rejected a report submitted by the Secretary to the Treasury regarding the controversial US$2.5 million fraud case, stating that it had been sent for his “personal review” and not for the committee.

Addressing the media after a CoPF meeting held at Parliament on June 2, Dr. de Silva said he had instructed the Treasury Secretary to submit the report to Parliament.

“There is nothing for me to examine in my personal capacity. Whatever the matter may be, it should be submitted to the committee. I cannot act individually,” he said.

He explained that the committee had previously directed the Treasury Secretary to submit a comprehensive report on the alleged fraud involving US$2.5 million paid by the Treasury and misappropriated by a third party. Four weeks had been granted for this purpose.

Although the report had been submitted after a delay, Dr. de Silva said it could not be accepted because it had been addressed solely to him for personal consideration.

“I represent the people and serve as Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance. We did not request a report for my personal review. It was sought for the committee’s examination and for further action,” he said.

He added that the report sent to his home address had been returned and that the Treasury Secretary had been instructed to submit it to Parliament instead.

The committee had spent nearly one and a half hours discussing the matter.

Dr. de Silva accused the Ministry of Finance of acting in a manner that undermined Parliament’s authority over public finances.

“Sending such a report to me personally is improper. It is an act that undermines parliamentary democracy,” he said.

He further noted that the Treasury Secretary had been instructed to submit a comprehensive report to Parliament on June 3, adding that only through prompt action could further decisions be taken.