NLB Chairman Exposes Multi-Million Rupee Fraud Linked to Past Governments

COLOMBO (News 1st); A series of large-scale financial irregularities involving the National Lotteries Board (NLB) during previous administrations has come to light, following explosive revelations by its current Chairman Anton Perera. 

He announced that formal complaints will be filed this week under the Public Property Act and the Bribery Act against all individuals responsible for misappropriating NLB funds.

Massive Election Campaign Misuse:

Anton Perera disclosed that Rs. 68.4 million from NLB funds was spent prior to the 2015 Presidential Election to display giant billboards promoting a then-presidential candidate. This case is already under investigation by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and has been reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

“Rs. 8 million of this amount remains unpaid, and the Finance Ministry later suspended these payments,” Perera said.

Colombo Airport Super Draw Scandal:

The Chairman also highlighted the controversial Colombo Airport Super Draw lottery, sold in US dollars during 2017–2018. The lottery incurred a loss of Rs. 14 million, while an additional USD 26,140 (approximately Rs. 7.8 million at current rates) remains unpaid by a party that purchased 1,027 tickets.

“No agreement, no official documentation, no company name—just blank papers approved by the Board,” Perera revealed, adding that the Board at the time was chaired by Shyamila Perera.

Investigations show that the individual involved, Sandhika Dimuth Peiris, was never mentioned in official agreements but was later identified as having close ties to Ravi Karunanayake and active involvement in UNP political operations.

“This was a political game from the start,” Perera alleged.

Unpaid Cheques and Failed Recovery:

After issuing a dishonored cheque, a complaint was filed with the Fraud Investigation Unit in June 2018. However, authorities failed to identify the suspect or the entity for years. Recent inquiries confirmed Peiris as the person behind the transaction.

Political Appointments and Misuse of Funds:

Perera further exposed irregular appointments made during Ravi Karunanayake’s tenure as Finance Minister, where individuals were designated as “coordination officers” for ministry development work but were paid by the NLB.

“These people were not ministry staff—they were mostly party office workers,” Perera said, adding that Rs. 1.96 million per month was paid under this scheme, totaling Rs. 2.295 million for certain appointments approved by Tusitha Halloluwa.

The revelations didn’t stop there. During Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure as Prime Minister, his private secretary allegedly sent a list of nine individuals for appointment at the NLB without Finance Ministry approval.

“They used NLB funds for personal political work,” Perera charged.

Election Campaign Promotions:

Perera also accused Namal Rajapaksa’s private secretary of requesting 576 promotional umbrellas from NLB for campaign activities during the 2014 election period.

“We will file complaints against all involved,” he confirmed.

Perera emphasized that these incidents reflect a decade-long pattern of political interference and corruption within the NLB.

“This week, we will take legal action against every individual responsible,” he vowed.