The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) disclosed that a sum of approximately Rs. 188 million has been issued in cheques for the Smart Youth Exhibition and Musical Concert, signed by the former Chairperson of the National Youth Services Council on the day before the 2024 Presidential Election.

It was further disclosed that the former Chair had signed these cheques without the approval of the Council Board of Directors, exerting pressure on officials. Accordingly, when questioned by the COPE, officials stated that cheques worth approximately Rs. 100 million had been received by the Treasury on the eve of the Presidential Election and that the said cheques were issued given the pressure exerted by the former Chair. 

They also stated that they were compelled to proceed with the payments upon the recommendation of the former Chair, who was also the Chief Accounting Officer of the Council at the time. Officials stated that the failure to comply would have resulted in their transfers. Consequently, the issuance of cheques amounting to approximately Rs. 188 million took place on the evening before the Presidential Election, as further highlighted by the officials.

COPE Chair Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera pointed out that this was a highly sensitive issue. He stated that the former Chair of the Council had misappropriated funds by using State officials as pawns. He also emphasised that officials should have the courage to oppose such actions. 

During the extensive discussion on this matter, it was pointed out that while the then-Director Finance of the Council was present at the ongoing COPE meeting, he has however remained silent throughout, making no remarks until the COPE meeting came to an end. Members of the COPE expressed their objection to his attempt to remain silent while his subordinates were presenting statements. The COPE pointed out that such behaviour misled the proceedings and hence stressed the need for disciplinary action against the individual in question.

It was further decided to summon the former Chair of the Council before COPE.

The stated disclosures were made at the COPE meeting held on Tuesday (18) in the Parliament. 

It was disclosed that although Rs. 398 million had been allocated under the Youth Development Programme of the Presidential Secretariat, the funds were not released due to deficiencies in the invoices.

Additionally, it was disclosed that contrary to the standard procedures of registering suppliers at the beginning of the year, the former Chair of the Council had procured supplies from individuals of his choosing rather than through a proper tender process. Moreover, it was disclosed that the cheques had been issued without the designated recipient being present, allowing them to be collected by other individuals.

Further concerns were raised regarding the lack of financial discipline within the Sri Lanka Youth Services (Private) Limited and the failure to conduct internal audits. 

Given the numerous irregularities identified, the COPE recommended that a report be submitted to the COPE within a month regarding the necessity of the Council, the Sri Lanka Youth Services (Pvt.) Ltd., and the National Youth Services Cooperative Society.