Member of Parliament (Dr.) Najith Indika was elected as the Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice, and Civil Protection of the Tenth Parliament during its inaugural meeting held in Parliament on 21.03. 2025.
The name of Dr. Najith Indika was proposed by Hon. Member of Parliament Chandana Suriyarachchi and seconded by Member of Parliament (Attorney- at- law) Thushari Jayasinghe.
Following the election of the Chairman, the Committee discussed the “Proceeds of Crime Bill.” The Acting Inspector General of Police, as well as officials from the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, the Attorney General’s Department, the Legal Draftsman’s Department, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, also participated in this discussion.
Officials who presented the bill to the committee pointed out that this bill has been prepared to meet a long-standing need in accordance with the conditions of the International Monetary Fund. The officials further explained that this will provide legal provisions for the recovery of assets acquired through criminal activities.
Officials also pointed out that it includes provisions for the establishment of an authority to manage such confiscated assets, and that the bill will establish a mechanism to seize, investigate, and enforce the law on government or private assets illegally acquired through criminal acts. They further stated that this bill is not a bill targeting individuals, but rather a bill targeting assets acquired through criminal activities.
Committee members raised concerns about the potential technical challenges in implementing the Act, to which the officials responded that the risk of such issues is minimal. The bill has been developed through extensive consultations with local and international experts, including review of similar laws from other countries, officials said.
Committee Chairman Dr. Najith Indika expressed the government’s strong support for the bill, noting that, while it is a condition of the International Monetary Fund, it aligns with the government’s policy priorities. He commended the efforts behind the preparation of the bill and, recognizing its importance for the country, informed that the Sectoral Oversight Committee has approved the bill. (Parliament)
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