MP Dr. Najith Indika has been elected as the Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice, and Civil Protection in the Tenth Parliament. His election took place during the committee’s inaugural meeting in Parliament on March 21, 2025.
Dr. Indika’s name was proposed by MP Chandana Suriyarachchi and seconded by MP Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe. Following his election, the committee deliberated on the “Proceeds of Crime Bill,” which aims to strengthen legal provisions for asset recovery in cases of criminal activity.
Senior officials, including the Acting Inspector General of Police and representatives 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, participated in the discussions.
Officials emphasized that the bill, developed in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, provides a legal framework for confiscating and managing assets acquired through criminal means. They clarified that the bill is not designed to target individuals but rather to address illicitly obtained property.
While committee members raised concerns about potential technical challenges in implementation, officials assured them that extensive consultations with local and international experts had minimized such risks. The bill also draws from best practices in similar legislation worldwide.
Committee Chairman Dr. Indika reaffirmed the government’s strong support for the bill, highlighting its alignment with national policy priorities. Following deliberations, the Sectoral Oversight Committee approved the bill.
The meeting was attended by MPs Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, Chandana Suriyarachchi, Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Major General (Retd.) G.D. Suriyabandara, Sellathambi Thilakanathan, M.K.M. Aslam, and other officials.
