Sri Lanka, April 30 -- The Free Lawyers Association states that Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, Dr. Harsha de Silva, has the authority to take action through parliamentary mechanisms if the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, fails to appear before Parliament.

Issuing a statement on behalf of the organization, former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon noted that the Committee on Public Finance was established under Parliamentary Standing Order 121, passed in 2022. He further stated that provisions exist under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act to penalize any individual who violates parliamentary standing orders.

Accordingly, the committee chairman has the authority to summon any individ...