An audit inquiry has uncovered financial fraud in the organization of the Smart Youth Night exhibition series, implemented as a special government project. This series of exhibitions and concerts was initiated based on a proposal submitted by Harin Fernando, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Eranga Gunasekara, recently disclosed irregularities in the planning and execution of the concert series.
Deputy Minister Gunasekara revealed that although initial expenses were incurred for two of the 14 planned concerts in the Smart Youth Night series, these concerts were never held. He stated that the preliminary expenditures and organizational work for the concerts in Hatton and Welisara amounted to Rs. 295,292, but the events did not take place as intended.
Providing a breakdown of the costs, the Deputy Minister noted that Rs. 234,592 had been spent on organizational activities for the Hatton concert, while Rs. 60,700 was allocated for the Welisara concert. Despite these expenses, no tangible outcomes were achieved.
The Deputy Minister further highlighted that an audit inquiry conducted on January 6 of this year revealed that the previous government had incurred these controversial expenses on the Smart Youth Night exhibition and concert series during a time of severe economic crisis.
These revelations were made during a media conference held at the Diyagama International Sports Complex in Homagama. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Gunasekara explained that the Smart Youth Night series was presented as a special project proposal by the Youth Services Council. He noted, however, that while the music concerts were launched in April, Cabinet approval for the project was only obtained in July. Moreover, the Youth Services Council was informed about the project a week after the Cabinet approval.
The series was promoted with claims that it would enhance the physical and mental health of young people by 2030 and help prevent one-third of non-communicable diseases. However, the audit inquiry has questioned the validity of these justifications, deeming them unreasonable.
Deputy Minister Gunasekara assured that a formal investigation has been initiated into the matter and that legal action will be taken against all individuals involved in the fraud.
The media conference also aimed to shed light on future development activities planned for the Diyagama Sports Complex. The event was attended by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, and the Deputy Minister of Sports, Sugath Thilakaratne.
