A heated debate has emerged over the allocation of Rs 104 million to MTV, part of the Capital Maharaja Group's Sirasa media network, for an Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) conference held in Sri Lanka. The Social Media Activists for Democracy lodged a complaint yesterday (03) with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, alleging that funding a private entity while state media institutions run at a loss amounts to political bribery.
Key Points
- Rs 104 million was provided to MTV for the ABU conference.
- Social media activists lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission, alleging political bribery.
- Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Treasury funds were not used for this purpose.
- The host organisation was selected by the ABU Executive Board, it was noted.
Treasury funds not utilised
Clarifying the matter during the weekly Cabinet briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the funds were not drawn from the General Treasury or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He pointed out that the sum was disbursed from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau fund, which receives revenue from a 5-dollar levy on incoming tourists and a one percent contribution from hotel revenue. The Minister further stated that standard procurement processes did not apply since public tax revenue was not utilised.
Government did not choose host
Around 350 delegates reportedly attended the conference, representing 225 institutions across 66 countries. The Minister added that MTV was chosen to host the event on the recommendation of the ABU Executive Board, not by the Sri Lankan government.
He also dismissed allegations that the proposal was initially rejected and later brought before the Cabinet due to invisible forces, stating that it was submitted to Cabinet in accordance with the size of the allocation.
