October 30, Colombo (LNW): The National Lotteries Board (NLB) has revealed that several politically connected lottery agents have failed to settle large sums owed to the institution, with some debts remaining unpaid for years.
At a briefing, NLB Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera outlined multiple cases involving unpaid dues, political interference, and possible misuse of public money. He noted that several district-level agents, appointed through political recommendations, have continued to operate without remitting their payments for extended periods.
Perera cited specific examples, including Lakisha Tharangika Rajapaksha, appointed in 2016 on the recommendation of former Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, who reportedly owes Rs. 9.8 million dating back to 2019. Official records confirm she is related to the former minister.
Another case involves Disanayaka Mudiyanselage Geetha Nandani, who has an outstanding balance of Rs. 2.1 million since 2019. Her application was linked to an email address belonging to MP Hesha Vithanage, and documents confirm she is his spouse.
Perera stressed that withholding these funds constitutes an offence under the Public Property Act. He added that formal complaints will be lodged with the Fraud Investigation Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to pursue legal action against those responsible.
