The National Lotteries Board (NLB) has disclosed that several lottery sales agents have been appointed through political influence, hinting at the involvement of current and former Parliamentarians.
Addressing the media, NLB Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera revealed that it has been found that the politically appointed agents have failed to remit millions of rupees owed to the Board for years.
He said several district agents have been selling tickets for the National Lotteries Board, with some having not paid their dues for over five years.
“One such agent is Lakisha Tharangika Rajapaksha, appointed in 2016 on the recommendation of then Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. She owes Rs. 9.8 million since 2019/20. When looking into why no action had been taken, 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,” the NLB Chairman said.
M.D.C.A. Perera noted that the National Lotteries Board has now halted its work and has been forced to run behind the relatives and wives of former and current Parliamentarians. (Newswire)