Serious allegations have surfaced regarding the purchase of air tickets for Sri Lankan athletes and officials participating in major international sporting events, with claims that millions of rupees in public funds may have been misused due to improper procurement practices.
According to reports, 69 athletes and officials travelled to the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, while 248 are scheduled to participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. However, concerns have been raised that air tickets for these delegations were purchased without following an open, competitive procurement process. Instead, orders were allegedly awarded directly to a prominent private travel agency in Sri Lanka.
Olympic Committee Officials in the Spotlight
The conduct of several senior officials of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) has come under scrutiny. Treasurer Ajith Siyambalapitiya, Deputy Treasurer Dasun Wijesinghe, and Secretary Rifdy Fahmy are reported to be linked to the transactions in question.
Key issues highlighted include:
- Whether proper approvals were obtained
- Whether procurement guidelines and financial regulations were followed
- Whether competitive quotations or price comparisons were carried out
- Whether the selected travel agency was chosen through a transparent process
Stakeholders in the sports sector argue that only an independent investigation can determine whether due process was followed.
Public Funds at Stake
The Ministry of Sports has reportedly provided funding for these international tours, meaning the expenses were covered using taxpayer money. Analysts emphasize that this heightens the responsibility of sports administrators to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to procurement laws.
Questions Over Travel Agency Selection
Further concerns have been raised over the basis on which the chosen travel agency was selected:
- Were quotations obtained from multiple agencies?
- Are the selected ticket prices reasonable compared to market rates?
- Was approval granted by the NOC Executive Committee or any other competent authority?
Observers say these questions must be addressed urgently to restore public confidence.
Potential Major Financial Mismanagement
If the allegations are proven true, this would constitute a serious case of public financial mismanagement rather than a mere administrative oversight. However, officials implicated in the matter must also be given a fair opportunity to present their explanations and respond to the accusations.
Should an investigation confirm wrongdoing, legal action must be taken against any responsible individuals, regardless of rank or position. Conversely, if the allegations are unfounded, authorities must clearly communicate this to the public.
Call for Immediate Independent Investigation
Sports sector representatives are urging the Minister of Sports and the Ministry to immediately initiate an independent inquiry. They call for all related documents — including quotations, approvals, payments, and agreements — to be submitted for review.
They also recommend involving the Auditor General’s Department and other relevant state institutions to conduct a comprehensive financial and procurement audit.
Ensuring Transparency in Sports Funding
Every rupee allocated for sports development in Sri Lanka belongs to the people. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and legality in the use of these funds is a fundamental responsibility of sports administrators.
Stakeholders insist that the allegations must not be swept aside. A formal, independent investigation should begin without delay, and its findings must be made public to uphold fairness and protect public trust.
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