2026-02-19 / Oral Question: Economic Centres and National Agri Market Services Limited (Q. 5/2026)

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake

2026-02-19

Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake alleged that the Minister had improperly nominated three personal associates to the board of a company overseeing economic centres, contrary to the intent of the relevant Cabinet decision which designates the subject Minister to make such appointments. He argued that the existing oversight structure — involving the Ministry Secretary, District Secretary, District Coordinating Committee, and police — is already sufficient. Dasanayake contended that this conduct is politically damaging to both the President and the Government, citing the Minister's reported inability to enter the Dambulla market due to public opposition as evidence of the problem. He framed his intervention as a matter of national concern rather than a personal attack.

Hon. Minister, at present the centres are already under your Ministry Secretary, the District Secretary, and within your District Coordinating Committee. The ASP of Police oversees certain aspects. While I accept some of what you say—like irregular shop sales—your three appointees to the company are your personal associates nominated by you; you sent those names to the Treasury. Under the Cabinet decision, the subject Minister nominates three to the Board. I say this is not good for the President or the Government. You are creating an unnecessary problem around the economic centres. Note my words: because of this, you could not enter the Dambulla market—people did not allow you. I am not raising a personal issue; I am raising a matter of national concern.