COPE to broadbase functions

by Ranil Wijayapala

The Parliament Select Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) will broadbase its functions by appointing two sub committees to look into 427 government institutions under COPE supervision, Chairman JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti told the Sunday Observer.

He said the committees will comprise COPE members who will function under TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran and Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva. The 24 members will be appointed in the coming weeks, he said. "The two committees will assist COPE to look into the 427 state institutions, companies where the government holds over 50 percent shares ", MP Handunnetti added.

They are expected to present a report in March this year after examining the work of these institutions, he said.

COPE will also appoint a supervisory committee to monitor whether the relevant government institutions are taking corrective measures as directed by COPE.

MP Handunnetti also said a mechanism will be introduced to open the COPE hearings to the public.

He added the functions of COPE will be uploaded on the Parliament website.