Former Peradeniya Vice-Chancellor Lamawansa's vehicle misuse exposed

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has launched an investigation into an accusation that Professor Lamawansa, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, misused a university vehicle for his personal affairs. A lot of information related to this incident of illegal use of state property has now been revealed.

Related to the incident, on the night of January 11, 2023, the grey Toyota KDH type van bearing registration number CP NP 3264, belonging to the General Services Division of the University of Peradeniya, was driven in this manner. This journey, which started from the university premises, went along the Kandy-Colombo main road up to Kadawatha, and from there, using the expressway, traveled over 265 kilometers to Denagama village in Hakmana. It later returned via the same route, with the total journey covering nearly 600 kilometers.

Due to the long distance and the need to drive throughout the night, two drivers, Kanchana and Ekanayake, were assigned for this journey. Their overtime allowances, expressway tolls, and the full fuel cost required for the journey were all covered by university funds. Disciplinary Officer Mahesh Abeywickrama signed the relevant log sheet to take responsibility for this journey.

However, there were no official duties belonging to the academic or disciplinary division of the University of Peradeniya in the Hakmana Denagama area. This university van was used as a vehicle following the hearse that transported the remains of Professor Lamawansa's mother, who was the then Vice-Chancellor, from Peradeniya to Hakmana Denagama, and it has been confirmed that this was a complete misuse of state property for a personal matter.