Financial irregularities at Peradeniya University revealed during COPE Committee.

Numerous financial administration irregularities, wastewater management issues, and governance weaknesses at the University of Peradeniya have been revealed before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) of Parliament. During this discussion, chaired by Member of Parliament Mr. Nishantha Samarawickrama, the Auditor General's reports for the years 2023 and 2024, as well as the current performance of the university, were extensively examined. This discussion was held as the second phase of a previously held discussion.

Here, particular attention was drawn to the environmental damage caused by the improper disposal of wastewater from university student hostels without proper management. Due to delays in connecting the system related to the Kandy Urban Wastewater Project, the initially estimated cost of Rs. 464 million has significantly increased to Rs. 1.4 billion. However, officials have indicated that Rs. 2 billion in funding has been secured from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to proceed with these project activities.

The committee also severely criticized the university's 68 bank accounts and a large number of various fund accounts. The failure to close these accounts even after the completion of the respective projects and the lack of centralized monitoring were questioned. Furthermore, it was revealed that research allowances had been paid to 59 non-academic and executive officers without the approval of the Research Management Committee and without obtaining the relevant reports. Of these officers, 28 had not submitted the relevant reports by June 30, 2023, and the COPE committee emphasized that research allowances are not additional salaries.

The committee, inquiring into positions maintained and allowances paid without the approval of the Department of Management Services, instructed that all such payments not conforming to public financial regulations be legally settled. Furthermore, the committee advised that future development plans be prepared with specific performance indicators, and that wastewater and solid waste management, as well as the construction of the new clinical building complex, be expedited.