JO calls for special PSC probe on alleged Rs. 3.6 bn CCF fund misuse

Joint Opposition MP T. B. Ekanayake yesterday called for appointing a special parliamentary select committee to look into the alleged misuse of Rs 3.6 billion from the Central Cultural Fund (CCF).

MP Ekanayake who moved an adjournment debate on the issue in parliament said a sum of Rs 3,6 billion has been released from CCF without the approval of the board which is administering the fund. He said Prime Minister is the chairman of this fund.

“If the funds were used for any purpose, the details pertaining to it should be made public. If funds had been released without the Board's approval, it will be an offence under the Public Properties Act.” The MP said.

“The CCF Board of Administration had not met for the last eight months, according to some of its members. The Prime Minister has to accept responsibility for all these shortcomings as the chairman of the fund,” he added.

The MP called for the appointment of a select committee to look into the allegations using powers of the legislature over state funds. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)