The Free Lawyers organisation has accused the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance of attempting to protect the real culprits in a controversial payment involving the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Treasury.

In a statement, the organisation claimed that the eight-page report seeks to shield senior officials while placing responsibility on lower-level officers and computer systems.

It further alleged that the committee has failed to fulfil its statutory responsibilities under Standing Order 121, describing the report as a mere compilation of facts rather than a substantive investigation.

The organisation also criticised the committee for allegedly granting around one month of additional time to those linked to the alleged irregularities, claiming this allowed them to conceal wrongdoing and prepare documentation.

It further noted that even after 30 days, the Central Bank’s administration has remained silent on the matter, alleging that the committee acted to protect the institution’s image.

According to the statement, the issue arose due to the use of three separate and uncoordinated computer systems within the Treasury, External Resources Department, and Public Debt Management divisions.

The organisation also questioned the role of the Treasury Secretary, stating that proper oversight may not have been exercised under Financial Regulation 135 when delegating financial authority.

It further warned that assigning responsibility for large financial transactions to a single director-level officer reflects poor administrative practice.

The Free Lawyers organisation concluded by expressing serious concern that Parliament’s finance oversight mechanism has effectively endorsed an attempt to conceal those truly responsible for the alleged wrongdoing.