SJB Member of Parliament Kabir Hashim has been appointed as the new Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) for the first session of the Tenth Parliament.
This appointment fills the vacancy created following the resignation of MP Aravinda Senarath, who stepped down from the position on 6 August 2025 after serving as COPA Chair for the first session of the Tenth Parliament.
The Committee convened in Parliament today (12 September 2025) to elect the new Chair, according to the Department of Communication of Parliament. For the position, MP Kabir Hashim was proposed and seconded by MPs J.C. Alawathuwala and Rohitha Abeygunawardena, respectively.
Addressing the Committee, the new Chair stated that he intends to carry out his duties in a neutral and impartial manner, with the cooperation of all members. He also expressed appreciation for the work performed by former Chair MP Aravinda Senarath and emphasized his commitment to executing the responsibilities of the office even more effectively.
Additionally, MP Hashim indicated that he is prepared to take necessary measures to further systematize the functions of COPA through the formulation of new plans.
The occasion was attended by Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, MPs M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, J.C. Alawathuwala, Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Hector Appuhamy, Kavinda Heshan Jayawardhana, Oshani Umanga, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Thushari Jayasingha, M.A.M. Thahir, Lal Premanath, Chanaka Madugoda, as well as Parliament officials including the Director of Legislative Services and Acting Director of Communication, M. Jayalath Perera.
