An investigation regarding Tarushi. Is the money spent wasted?
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (September 3, 2024) — Dr. Maiya Gunasekara, President of the National Sports Council, has addressed concerns regarding the financial oversight related to athlete Tarushi Karunaratne’s recent Osaka Games tour. The investigation has been prompted by allegations of misused public funds and questions about the adherence to official instructions by Karunaratne.
In a statement issued today, Dr. Gunasekara clarified that while the National Sports Council did not initiate a disciplinary inquiry against Karunaratne, it did instruct the Sri Lanka Athletics Institute to conduct a formal investigation into the matter. This step was taken to ensure transparency and accountability, especially in light of the public funds allocated to Karunaratne and her coach.
Dr. Gunasekara highlighted that the Council’s concerns were raised following reports suggesting that funds may have been squandered due to non-compliance with directives given by the athletics body. As a result, a formal investigation was requested from the Sports Institute, with a deadline for the submission of the report set for June 3, 2024.
The decision to pursue this inquiry reflects the Council’s commitment to ensuring that public resources are utilized effectively and that athletes adhere to established guidelines during international competitions. The outcome of the investigation is awaited to determine if any corrective measures or further actions are required.
