The COPE corroborates corrupt governance: Ravi K.

By Wilson Gnanadass
The report submitted to Parliament by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) that has stirred a hornet’s nest, continues to cause ripples among many MPs and Ministers, who in turn are condemning the report, saying it is factually incorrect. Countering this, Colombo district UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake, who is also a member of the COPE, explains that those who ‘shout’ against the COPE report, are the ones who care less for the widespread corruption and waste in Sri Lanka. Therefore, he suggests that the COPE investigations must be open to the media during the process of investigating some of the corrupt institutions.

Following are excerpts;

Q: The COPE report has become a controversial issue today. How do you look at it from the Opposition point of view?

A: I think it is made to look complicated. There have always been two vital parliamentary committees to monitor good governance. They are the Public Accounts Committee and the COPE. We represent the COPE and the COPE has probed many institutions periodically and submitted reports to parliament. It is a multi party composition and, as a result, it brings reports without any divide of politics. So, I don’t understand why people are excited, when all of them were silent, when the deliberations and investigations of these institutions took place.

Q: Do you stand by all the findings in the report?

A: Well, at least, the reports that have already been submitted reflect the true picture. There is no dramatization in the COPE report. One or two areas may lack supporting evidence but, the issues are true.

Q: Some government ministers condemn the report and say it is an opposition engineered conspiracy to overthrow the government. Do you agree?

A: Well, if the cap fits, let them put it on. You see, the present government has become inept, corrupt, inconsiderate, inhuman and lacking direction. It only wants to protect the 109 and some, ministers. It does not bother about the country. So, with this background, various ministers utter various statements but, all of them miss the fundamentals that, they were elected to govern and to extricate the country from the mess, not to take it into a deeper mess. They don’t know what they are saying. But, we tell them bluntly, it is time to pack their bags and go home.

Q: The most affected by the COPE report are the UNP defectors. Do you think they are actually guilty of it?

A: I think, this is again a dramatization, because, the real impact is on the officials behind such corruption. And in order to cover their sins, these corrupt officials pulled some of the ministers also into the scene. As a result, the ministers have come into the picture. But, if you look into the findings, it is the officials who are totally held responsible. It seems to be a way of life, where the corrupt officials do all the villainy and put it on the ministers.

Q: UNP defector and now government Minister, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne says that of the 18 State agencies found guilty of corruption, only four are actually corrupt, while the rest are not. As a member of the COPE, how would you respond to this claim,?

A: How does he arrive at that judgment? He is not a member of the COPE and, at this moment, I need to defend the COPE –he is misled.

Q: When the COPE was headed by UNP MPs, it did not make the impact that it has created now, under the leadership of a government MP. Why?

A: I would say it is completely wrong. During John Amaratunge’s time and Rohitha Bogollagama’s time, it was severe or worse but, unfortunately, owing to the fact that we were from the Opposition, everything that came about looked as if it were politicised. But, today, as it is led by the government, and the chairman happens to be from the government, it looks different.

Q: Certain government MPs are accusing the UNP of using this report as a tool to overthrow the government. Is it true?

A: I don’t think the UNP requires this as a tool to topple the government. The government itself has dismantled its own machinery and is unable to put it together, while yelling through its guts accusing the UNP of everything. The UNP does not have to hide the fact that it is fully geared to topple the government at any given time. And this cannot be called a conspiracy? We do not have to hide but, on behalf of the country, we will definitely ensure that this government gets out. The COPE report only corroborates the claims we make.

Q: The COPE reports are based on evidence provided by the Auditor General (AG). And, if, government ministers are condemning the report, that means they are also undermining and devaluing the AG’s department. How does the Opposition look at this?

A: Quite obviously, people who speak against our report, lack knowledge or want to hide the truth. So, on this issue, I think, it is more appropriate, if this is looked at more professionally, rather than politically.

Q: The COPE managed to obtain powers to recommend action against corrupt State institutions. Are you satisfied or, expect more powers?

A: I think there has to be more powers, and our proceedings should also be open to the media. Ultimately, the responsibility of the COPE is to ensure that all the State institutions become vibrant, which will aid good governance and stimulate efficiency. It would bring fear into the politicians who try to misuse their powers with corrupt intentions. I think, the Government, the Opposition and the entire country must support the COPE, to achieve this target.