AKD’s Support for Sirasa’s Ego Ride: How Long Can This Party Last?

By Adolf 

Sri Lanka is a country still struggling to recover from its worst economic crisis in recent history. Ordinary citizens are burdened by rising living costs, higher taxes and shrinking disposable incomes. Against this backdrop, reports of public funds being diverted to finance an extravagant international media event organised by a private broadcaster raise serious questions about the Government’s priorities and its commitment to good governance.

According to allegations published in social media that the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) allocated Rs.104.6 million to MTV Channel (Sirasa) for hosting the Asian Broadcasting Union (ABU) annual conference. The report alleges that funds originally earmarked for international tourism promotion were reallocated to meet the costs of the event.If these claims are substantiated, the arrangement deserves urgent scrutiny.

COPF should investigate 

The original proposal to host the conference was reportedly presented to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, which declined, citing its inability to finance such a costly undertaking. Sirasa subsequently took on the project. The question is why a private media organisation was subsequently supported with such a substantial allocation of public funds, particularly when the State broadcaster had indicated that it could not afford the expenditure.

The reported breakdown of costs is equally concerning. These include approximately Rs.46.5 million for accommodation, conference facilities and catering at Cinnamon Life; Rs.24.6 million for production, sound and lighting, including services associated with Stein Studios; Rs.4 million for welcome packs; and additional expenditure on entertainment, dinners and excursions to Galle and Bentota. The report also identifies approximately Rs.18.3 million in VAT and SSCL liabilities being met through public funds.

Furthermore, the published account refers to a Cabinet paper dated 17 September 2026, reportedly providing for 60% advance payment of Rs.62.76 million, with the balance of Rs.41.84 million to be settled subsequently. It also points to the involvement of the President in his capacity as Minister of Finance.

These are not insignificant sums. They represent taxpayers’ money at a time when the Government continues to demand fiscal discipline from households and businesses.

Ego Trip 

There is also a wider question concerning the increasingly blurred boundaries between private media interests and political patronage. Shevan Daniel’s elevation to the position of Vice Chairman of an Asian broadcasting organisation may be a professional achievement, but it does little to address the concerns of ordinary Sri Lankans struggling with the cost of living. Nor does international recognition automatically confer public accountability.

A media organisation is entitled to pursue commercial opportunities and international recognition. However, it cannot expect taxpayers to underwrite its ambitions without transparent justification, competitive procurement and demonstrable public benefit.

The Government came to power promising a different political culture, transparency and an end to the misuse of public resources. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his administration must therefore be prepared to answer uncomfortable questions, particularly when public expenditure appears to benefit private institutions.

The Bribery Commission, Auditor General and relevant oversight authorities should independently examine the reported transaction, establish whether due process was followed and determine whether the expenditure represents value for money.

Good governance cannot be selective. Neither political loyalty nor media influence should place anyone beyond scrutiny.

The fundamental question is simple: how long can a Government that came to power promising accountability continue to defend decisions that appear inconsistent with its own promises?

Taxpayers deserve answers, not another political spectacle.

The original Cabinet paper, SLTPB approvals and payment records should be independently verified by the Committee of Public Finance . When ex Ministers are jailed for 7 years for misusing a measly Rs 300,000 of public funds that too give food to supporters . This certainly beats any sense of accountability and transparency .

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