The National Lotteries Board (NLB) of Sri Lanka has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of payment defaults totaling more than LKR 12 million (€34,000). According to NLB Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera, several district agents failed to transfer funds generated from lottery sales, including individuals related to prominent political figures such as MP Hesha Vithanage and former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.
The largest default reportedly involves an agent from Kuliyapitiya who owes nearly LKR 9.8 million since 2016. Other defaulters are said to have been appointed under political recommendation, raising questions about administrative oversight. The Fraud Investigation Division, with possible CID involvement, is now handling the probe under the Public Property Act, which mandates prosecution for defaults as low as LKR 100,000.
Despite these issues, NLB officials emphasized that prize distributions, tax obligations, and social welfare contributions have continued without disruption. The Board reported issuing over 40 super prizes by September 2025 and disbursing a record LKR 474 million in winnings, reinforcing public confidence in lottery operations.
The matter is expected to be brought before the parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) as part of a broader push to improve financial governance and transparency in public institutions. Analysts note that while Sri Lanka’s lottery sector remains culturally and economically significant, stronger compliance frameworks are essential to preserve its integrity and long-term growth.
