National Lotteries Board Drops Bombshell: Nepotism and Fraud Revealed

COLOMBO (News 1st); A shocking revelation emerged today as the National Lotteries Board (NLB) disclosed that several lottery sales agents, appointed through political influence, have failed to remit millions of rupees owed to the Board for years.

The disclosure was made during a media briefing chaired by M.D.C.A. Perera, Chairman of the NLB, who detailed a series of cases involving unpaid dues, nepotism, and alleged misuse of public funds.

“There are numerous district agents who have been selling tickets for the National Lotteries Board. Some have not paid their dues for over five years,” he told reporters.

Lakisha Tharangika Rajapaksha, appointed in 2016 on the recommendation of then Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, owes Rs. 9.8 million since 2019/20. Investigations revealed she is a close relative of the former minister, confirmed through her marriage certificate.

Another agent, Disanayaka Mudiyanselage Geetha Nandani, owes Rs. 2.1 million since 2019. Her application listed the email address of MP Hesha Vithanage, and her marriage certificate confirmed she is his wife.

Perera emphasized that misappropriating these funds constitutes a violation under the Public Property Act, yet no legal action has been taken so far. He confirmed that complaints will be filed with the Fraud Investigation Unit and the CID.