Current DG Dr. Shemal Fernando was Interim Chairman of the NSSF when alledged crime took place
Credible Evidence in The Morning Telegraph’s Possession
In a scandal that has cast a shadow over the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), Shirantha Peries, the recently appointed Chairman of the Lotus Tower Management Company Pvt Ltd, has been implicated confessing to under-invoicing payments to evade customs duties. This revelation stems from a Ministry of Defense ordered investigation and conducted by the Ministry of Sports in 2018, concerning the importation of weapons and ammunition under the National Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) banner.
Explosive Confession in The Morning Telegraph’s Possession
The Morning Telegraph has obtained credible evidence in which Shirantha Peries, who also serves as the current President of the National Shooting Sports Federation, is admitting to practices that align with the allegations of financial fraud.
Speaking to Retd. R.B. Wickramasinghe, Director at the Ministry of Sports during the inquiry, Peries confessed:
“There were 11 shooters who needed guns. There was a huge duty that needed to be paid for those weapons. To reduce the duty, we used this invoice. See here, even the technical committee has approved it. Here is the approved invoice which is for Australian $5,600 that they have approved.”
The Financial Trail of Fraud
The scandal centers around a scheme to under-invoice the imported weapons at a significantly reduced value of Australian $5,600. The actual cost of the weapons is believed to have been at least four times higher. This undervaluation enabled customs duties to be slashed, saving significant amounts in taxes. Subsequently, the weapons were sold to private individuals for as much as Rs.700,000 to Rs.800,000 each, yielding substantial profits.
Buried Evidence and a Resurfaced Scandal
Despite the Ministry of Defense flagging irregularities and launching an inquiry in 2018, the case was inexplicably shelved, allegedly due to political influence.
Peries, leveraging his newfound proximity to the ruling NPP, was seen during pre-election campaigns praising the party on public platforms, a move critics suggest was a calculated bid for protection. This allegiance has reportedly not only earned him protection so far, but also earned him a prestigious appointment as Chairman of the Lotus Tower Management Company, further insulating him from scrutiny.
Adding to the controversy, Peries remains embroiled in the ongoing turmoil within the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL). As its Assistant Treasurer, he has aligned himself with the now-suspended Secretary General Maxwell De Silva and is rumored to be eyeing the position of NOCSL President.
A Trail of Questions
The investigation’s suspension has drawn renewed criticism, particularly over the involvement of Dr. Shemal Fernando, now Director General of Sports Development. Fernando, who chaired the NSSF’s interim committee during the alleged fraudulent transactions, was summoned for the initial inquiry. Allegations have surfaced that his signature appears on several incriminating documents, raising questions about his role in the deal. Despite the resurgence of evidence and public outcry, Fernando has not reopened the case in his current capacity, fueling speculation about his potential involvement.
Call for Accountability
The revelations have reignited demands for justice and transparency. Critics argue that the case exposes a systemic failure to address corruption at the highest levels, implicating individuals who hold influential positions in both the government and sports administration.
This controversy underscores the urgent need for action by the NPP to ensure that individuals implicated in financial fraud and unethical practices are held accountable. The silence of relevant authorities and the failure to reopen the investigation are being seen as glaring lapses in governance.
The Morning Telegraph will continue to monitor developments, with the hope that justice prevails and the trust of the public is restored in the institutions tasked with upholding accountability.
