A senior wrestling official has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to initiate an independent investigation into alleged misappropriation of more than Rs. 20 million in funds allocated for athlete nutrition in 2024.
In a letter to the President, Colombo District Wrestling Federation Deputy Secretary H. M. Lakshman drew attention to an October National Audit Office (NAO) report that he says identifies serious financial irregularities within the Wrestling Federation of Sri Lanka (WFSL).
The funds, released by the Department of Sports Development under the Sports Ministry, were intended to support the nutritional needs of national-level wrestlers.
Lakshman said the NAO report indicates the amount was released in accordance with existing regulations and through a transparent process, but alleges that certain WFSL officials diverted the funds.
He claimed these officials had prepared their own list of beneficiaries and distributed the money to wrestlers of their choosing, an act he described as a violation of both the law and sports administration rules.
The letter further states that questions have been raised over whether the athletes meant to receive the payments ever obtained them.
Lakshman said the Project Officer for Wrestling at the Department of Sports Development, Sisira Wellegedara—appointed to oversee the use of the funds—may have failed in his supervisory duties and could have assisted in the alleged fraud.
He warned that such actions damage the credibility of the Sports Ministry.
Lakshman said the NAO report also highlights an additional Rs. 4.4 million that was allegedly diverted to individuals outside the sport, raising further concerns about financial misconduct.
He said an information request filed under the Right to Information Act seeking clarity on the names of recipients and approving officials was not fulfilled by the Department of Sports Development.
Lakshman urged President Dissanayake to appoint an independent committee to investigate the allegations, identify those responsible, and take legal action to prevent future abuses of public funds.
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