The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) disclosed that a sum of approximately Rs. 188 million has been issued in cheques for the Smart Youth Exhibition and Musical Concert, signed by the former Chairman of the National Youth Services Council on the day before the Presidential Election.

It was further disclosed that the former Chairman had signed these cheques without the approval of the Board of Directors, exerting pressure on officials, and that this took place the day before the 2024 Presidential Election. 

Accordingly, when questioned by the Committee, officials stated that cheques worth approximately Rs. 100 million had been received by the Treasury on the eve of the Presidential Election and that the said cheques were issued given the pressure exerted by the former Chairman. 

They also stated that they were compelled to proceed with the payments upon the recommendation of the former Chairman, who was also the Chief Accounting officer of the National Youth Services Council at the time. Officials stated that failure to comply would have resulted in their transfers. Consequently, the issuance of cheques amounting to approximately Rs. 188 million took place on the evening before the Presidential Election, as further highlighted by the officials.

The COPE Chair, MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, pointed out that this was a highly sensitive issue. He stated that the former Chairman of the National Youth Services Council had misappropriated funds by using state officials as pawns. He also emphasized that officials should have the courage to oppose such actions. The COPE Chair urged all public officials to fulfill their assigned responsibilities without being misguided.

During the extensive discussion on this matter, it was pointed out that the then-Director Finance of the National Youth Services Council was present at the ongoing Committee meeting, however has remained silent throughout, making no remarks until the Committee came to an end. Members of COPE expressed their objection to his attempt to remain silent while his subordinates were presenting statements. 

The Committee pointed out that such behavior misled the proceedings and stressed the need for disciplinary action against the individual.

It was further decided to summon the former Chairman of the National Youth Services Council before COPE, and to recall the institution for further discussions on the following day (20).

The stated disclosures were made at the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), Chaired by Member of Parliament Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, held yesterday (Feb. 18) in Parliament. 

The session reviewed the Auditor General’s reports for 2022 and 2023 pertaining to the National Youth Services Council and Sri Lanka Youth Services (Private) Ltd., as well as the current operational performance and progress in implementing recommendations from the Committee on Public Enterprises meeting held on November 16th, 2021.

During the Committee meeting held, attention was also drawn to the allocation and expenditure of Rs. 538,080,000 by the National Youth Services Council for events held between the 8-month period of January to August 2024. These included the Smart Youth New Year Festival, National Youth Vesak Festival, National Youth Poson Zone, Jaffna District Youth Conference, 31st Night Youth Celebration, and the Smart Youth Exhibition and Musical Concert. It was disclosed that although Rs. 398 million had been allocated under the Youth Development Program of the Presidential Secretariat, the funds were not released due to deficiencies in the invoices.

Additionally, it was disclosed that, contrary to standard procedures of registering suppliers at the beginning of the year, the former Chairman of the National Youth Services Council had procured supplies from individuals of his choosing rather than through a proper tender process. Moreover, it was disclosed that cheques had been issued without the designated recipient being present, allowing them to be collected by other individuals.

Further concerns were raised regarding the lack of financial discipline within Sri Lanka Youth Services (Private) Ltd. and the failure to conduct internal audits. COPE also focused on the appointment of 25 officers holding permanent positions at the National Youth Services Council to positions within the National Youth Services Cooperative Society under both permanent and temporary carders. The implementation of prior decisions taken by the Committee on Public Enterprises was also examined.

Given the numerous irregularities identified, the Committee recommended that a report be submitted to COPE within a month regarding the necessity of the National Youth Services Council, Sri Lanka Youth Services (Private) Ltd., and the National Youth Services Cooperative Society, along with the other related matters.

Members of Parliament M.K.M. Aslam, Samanmali Gunasinghe, Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, Sujeewa Dissanayake, (Dr.) S. Sri Bavanandarajah, Jagath Manuwarna, Ruwan Mapalagama, Sunil Rajapaksha, Darmapriya Wijesinghe, Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, Thilina Samarakoon, Chandima Hettiarachchi, and Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney at Law.

(Excerpts : Parliamentary Communications Division)

Editor’s Note : The media release of the Parliamentary Communications Division does not mention the name of the ex-chairman of the NYSC who is summoned before the COPE Committee. However, it was civil engineer Pasindu Gunaratne who served as the NYSC chairman during the aforementioned time period. The then Sports Minister Harin Fernando also faces allegations over the matter.