The National Youth Services Council (NYSC) and its affiliated institutions are under scrutiny following revelations of financial mismanagement and irregularities.
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has decided to appoint a special subcommittee to investigate these issues, as announced during a meeting on Thursday (20) at Parliament, chaired by MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera.
The committee convened to review Auditor General’s reports for 2022 and 2023 concerning the NYSC and Sri Lanka Youth Services (Private) Limited.
It aimed to assess current performance and the implementation progress of recommendations made during a COPE meeting on November 16, 2021.
An earlier session on the 18th had already revealed numerous financial irregularities, leading to the decision to summon former NYSC chairpersons for further discussions.
These discussions, held the following day, uncovered additional instances of financial mismanagement and unethical practices.
As a result, COPE resolved to appoint a special subcommittee, chaired by MP Chandima Hettiarachchi, with members including MPs Samanmalee Gunasinghe, Jagath Manuwarna, Sunil Rajapaksha, Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, and Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra. The subcommittee will conduct investigations and present a report to COPE in due course.
One of the key findings discussed was the expenditure of approximately Rs. 188 million on the “Smart Youth Exhibition and Musical Show.” It was revealed that the relevant cheques were signed by the former NYSC Chairman a day before the Presidential Election.
The former Chairman, when questioned, claimed that the payments were for events conducted months prior and denied pressuring officials. However, evidence presented by officials indicated that he had exerted pressure to authorize the cheques within a specific timeframe.
Another concern was the appointment of an unqualified private secretary by the former Chairman. The individual, who lacked the required degree for the position, later resigned but was subsequently appointed to the Board of Directors of NYSC. Officials further alleged that this individual had unduly influenced various activities within the organization.
The COPE meeting also examined the “Smart Youth Avurudu Festival,” which was conducted without following proper procedures. Members highlighted that the event, along with other initiatives, was seemingly orchestrated at the discretion of the former Chairman.
Additionally, concerns were raised about supplier involvement in NYSC activities, with the former Chairman claiming he merely forwarded supplier requests to relevant divisions. COPE, however, found the procurement process irregular.
Allegations also surfaced that NYSC had organized programs supporting the former President’s election campaign.
The former Chairman denied this, stating that all prior programs were halted as per Election Commission directives, except for “Smart Fiesta.
,It was sports-focused and organized in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat. COPE members, however, countered that the same event had been continued under a different name.
Additionally, Rs. 4.3 million was reportedly spent on a music program for “Smart Fiesta,” but NYSC had not received the final production. The former Chairman insisted the video had been handed over, prompting COPE to recommend further investigation.
Other matters discussed included the National Youth Poson Zone, youth programs in Jaffna and Ampara, the role of the W. D. Weerasinghe Foundation in these events, and the renovation of the Belwood Aesthetic Centre. The implementation of COPE’s 2021 recommendations on these projects was also examined.
Following extensive discussions, the COPE Chair expressed dissatisfaction with the former Director of Finance’s conduct, stressing the need for public officials to fulfill their responsibilities diligently to safeguard both public funds and their professional integrity.
