By The Pulseline News Desk
A recent audit report has raised fresh concerns over asset management and accountability within the National Lotteries Board (NLB), after revealing that five motor vehicles and one lorry registered under the institution could not be properly accounted for.
The findings were reportedly disclosed in an audit report included in the NLB’s 2024 Annual Report, issued by the National Audit Office (NAO).
According to the report, information obtained from the Department of Motor Traffic on October 11, 2024, had shown that the six vehicles in question were not in the possession of the NLB at the time of verification. The audit has further noted that the vehicles had also not been included in the institution’s fixed assets register, raising questions about record-keeping procedures and internal controls within the state-owned entity.
NAO has observed that the absence of documentation and asset records made it difficult to determine the current status or location of the vehicles.
The disclosure comes amid growing public scrutiny over governance and financial accountability within state institutions. In recent years, successive audit reports covering public enterprises and statutory boards have repeatedly highlighted weaknesses in asset management, procurement procedures, and financial administration.
The NLB, one of the country’s key state-owned revenue-generating institutions, plays a major role in funding social welfare, sports, and development-related initiatives through lottery operations. Because of its financial significance, governance issues involving the NLB have often attracted parliamentary and public attention.
Auditors have increasingly emphasised the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms, updated inventory systems, and more transparent administrative practices across state institutions. Experts in public finance note that missing or undocumented state assets not only create financial risks but also undermine public confidence in government oversight mechanisms.
The latest revelation is expected to intensify calls for stricter internal audits and greater accountability among officials responsible for maintaining state property records.
The latest issue could potentially be examined further by parliamentary oversight committees or relevant authorities tasked with monitoring public institutions.
The case adds to a broader national conversation about improving transparency and efficiency in Sri Lanka’s public sector management as the country continues efforts to strengthen governance standards during its economic recovery period.
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