The latest audit of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) for the year ending 31 December 2024 has revealed irregularities in the purchase of air tickets for participants in promotional programmes held in Germany.
The audit report found that air tickets worth Rs. 4,752,900 were purchased without following proper procurement procedures. The procurement process was not initiated on time, and guidelines regarding invitations for bids, payments, and negotiations were not adhered to.
In response, Bureau management stated that approval from the Ministry for the Germany programme was received at the last moment, which delayed the procurement process.
The Auditor General recommended that the Bureau strictly follow procurement guidelines in all future purchases to ensure transparency and accountability.
