A formal complaint has been lodged against Mr. Dishan Gunasekara, the Basnayake Nilame of Kataragama, by Kamantha Thushara of the Citizens’ Power Against Corruption and Waste Organization. The complaint was filed with the Colombo Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on January 4, accusing Gunasekara of multiple fraudulent activities, including the alleged misuse of funds raised for a ward construction at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
The controversy stems from a project where the Kataragama Devalaya, under the leadership of Gunasekara, funded the construction of a ward complex at the Apeksha Hospital. The complainant alleges that Gunasekara raised funds for this purpose by printing and selling tickets to devotees visiting Kataragama, with the funds being misappropriated. The process of ticket printing and collection of money was reportedly conducted in a manner that is considered illegal and improper.
Thushara further accuses Gunasekara of being involved in multiple corrupt activities during his tenure as Basnayake Nilame, which dates back to the administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The complaint also highlights several cases pending against Gunasekara from the years 2013 to 2015. It is alleged that Gunasekara embezzled approximately Rs. 50,000 between 2015 and 2020.
Additionally, the complaint urges the CID to thoroughly investigate Gunasekara’s financial dealings, particularly focusing on his assets, liabilities, and the management of the Kataragama Devalaya’s treasury. The complainant has called for a comprehensive audit of the Devalaya’s finances to ensure transparency and accountability.
The public and media had previously been stirred by news of the ward construction at Apeksha Hospital, which raised questions about the legitimacy of the funding process and the role of the Basnayake Nilame in the project.
