The Cabinet has approved the appointment of a three-member committee, chaired by retired High Court Judge G.M.W. Pradeep Jayathilake, to investigate alleged financial mismanagement within the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) during the period when SJB leader Sajith Premadasa served as Minister of Cultural Affairs in the Yahapalana government.
The move follows a decision taken at the 223rd Governing Council meeting of the CCF held on 17 May 2025, where concerns were raised regarding the fund’s use during Premadasa’s time in office.
The proposal to establish the investigative committee was tabled by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Public criticism has mounted in recent months, with allegations that Premadasa authorised extensive donations to temples and religious institutions from the CCF in a manner deemed politically motivated.
Critics say that such actions undermined the CCF’s core mandate to safeguard Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and support cultural tourism development.
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