The controversial circular said to have been issued by Treasury Secretary S.R.Attygalle allowing the Line Ministry Secretaries to bypass the minister and the Cabinet when entering into development related agreements is aimed at satisfying those with vested interests, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) claimed.
The so called circular issued by Attygalle makes it possible for Ministry Secretaries to bypass the approval of the minister and the Cabinet when two state institutions enter into an agreement in the future.
According to the Finance Ministry this is a move to “simplify systems and processes to fast track implementation of development activities,” a weekend National newspaper reported yesterday.
JVP Properganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath said the government through such initiatives is attempting to validate the decision making by a limited group of associates on public affairs and this could see dangerous outcomes in the future.
The recently revealed controversial sugar tax incident in which the State lost Rs.15.9 billion is also a deal conducted by such a small group of associates with the direct involvement of the present government, he said.
“This is a deal which is as corrupt as the notorious Central Bank bond scam,” Herath stressed. He said the government reduced the tariff on imported sugar not to provide relief to the public. The government must conduct a special investigation into the matter and punish all stakeholders behind this scam, he said.