An organisation set up to protect ancient artefacts and archaeological sites from vandalism and destruction has demanded a probe into the malpractices that have taken place in the Central Cultural Fund.

The organisation has lodged a complaint with the Colombo Criminal Investigation Department today (04) asking for a comprehensive investigation to be initiated regarding the corruption fraud and misappropriation of funds that had taken place in the Central Cultural Fund during the Yahapalana (good governance) regime.

They point out that these malpractices that took place during the previous good governance regime have been revealed in an audit report on the Central Cultural Fund and affiliated institutions.

The said organisation has filed the complaint and requested to investigate this matter and take appropriate legal action to prevent the abuse of public property.

Speaking to the media after filing the complaint, Udasgiriye Samitha Thero, President of the Organization, said:

“The Central Cultural Fund is being set up for the purpose of preserving the heritage of this country. That academic work is one that has to bear a huge cost. The Central Cultural Fund is the strong economic foundation needed to carry out the conservation and maintenance of archaeological excavations for the nation. ”

“That fund was misused by the ministers of the good governance government. It was distributed to religious shrines for their projects. At least they did not have any feedback on how the allocated funds were spent. The Central Cultural Fund is in the throes of bankruptcy following this crime, “the Ven. Thero lamented.”

When talking, they say that my hands are clean… I am against corruption and fraud… But these are the politicians who cannot use a national fund under their control without corruption. “The laws of this country should be enforced against them,” said Samitha Thero.