Sri Lanka’s parliament debates empowering COPE to directly refer corruption cases to law enforcement, raising concerns over constitutional balance and due process.

Sri Lanka’s Parliament is considering a proposal to let the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) directly refer corruption findings to law enforcement without prior approval, sparking concern from former officials. A former COPE chair warns the move could blur constitutional lines between legislature and executive, risk politicization, and harm public servants’ reputations before due process. He urges safeguards like expert review before referrals and stresses COPE’s role should remain investigative, not prosecutorial. Meanwhile, a health official called for halting an LGBTIQ tourism initiative, citing public health and cultural concerns.