COPF questions Finance Ministry officials why they took 15 weeks to submit Gazette

The Committee on Public Finance has questioned officials of the Ministry of Finance why they took 15 weeks to submit a Gazette published on the 16th of June 2023 to the Committee for approval.

The Committee members said as a result the Committee faced criticism for delaying the approval for certain Gazettes. They said that the Ministry caused the delay by submitting the Gazettes late thereby denying the Committee sufficient time for thorough analysis and consideration, a spokesperson for the Committee said.

The Committee has instructed the Finance Ministry to ensure that Gazettes intended for consideration were promptly sent to the Committee. This transpired at the Public Finance Committee, chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva, when the Committee approved a Resolution under the Customs Ordinance, two Orders under the Excise Ordinance and three Orders under the Excise (Special Provisions) Act, No. 13 of 1989. (SF)