Investigation into Fraud in Smart Youth Night Concert Series

Speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister outlined several irregularities, including issues with planning, the failure to follow a formal procurement process, and informal methods of bill settlements. Notably, there were also discrepancies in payments made to musicians involved in the concert series.

Mr.Gunasekara further emphasized that these issues were raised prior to the presidential election last year. He accused the then Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Harin Fernando, of misusing the Youth Services Council's funds for political purposes, specifically for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's political project. The Deputy Minister vowed that legal action would be taken against all individuals responsible for these financial misdeeds.

A significant concern raised by Mr. Gunasekara was the scale of the misuse—323 million rupees had been spent on the Smart Youth Night concert series. In contrast, only 1 billion rupees had been allocated in the national budget for youth development, making such expenditures a clear example of financial mismanagement. The Deputy Minister stressed that political projects that undermine youth empowerment must never be approved.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Gunasekara pointed out the deteriorating conditions of the Youth Services Council's theater and parts of the roof of the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, which are currently in urgent need of renovation.

 He criticized the diversion of ministry funds towards political projects, leaving critical maintenance and infrastructure work unattended. Renovation efforts for both locations are now underway to address these pressing issues.

The investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of the financial discrepancies and lead to appropriate action against those involved.