The Jana Aragala Sandanaya has lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission over the Bharatanatyam Guinness World Record event held at Galle Face Green on June 14, alleging financial irregularities and misuse of state patronage.
Speaking to the media after filing the complaint, Jana Aragala Sandanaya representative and Front Line Socialist party (FSP) Propaganda Secretary Duminda Nagamuwa alleged that around 5,000 participants, mainly children from the Northern and Hill Country communities, had each been charged Rs. 5,000 to take part in the event.
He further claimed that participants were later asked to make additional payments for certificates and related items, placing a significant financial burden on families who travelled to Colombo.
Nagamuwa questioned why the government had supported and promoted an event organised by a private company that ultimately secured a Guinness World Record in its own name, rather than for a Sri Lankan state institution or the participants.
He also questioned why government ministers and state resources were used to support what he described as a privately organised event.
Jana Aragala Sandanaya has called on the Bribery Commission to investigate the matter, urged organisers to refund money collected from participants if any wrongdoing is established, and sought an explanation from the government over its role in the event.
The Bharatanatyam event, titled “Sangamam 2026”, saw 4,988 dancers perform together at Galle Face Green, setting a new Guinness World Record. (Newswire)