A bribery complaint alleging government funds were given to Maharaja for propaganda work - Minister clarifies it is not government work

A heated debate has now arisen as to whether the provision of 104 million rupees for an international conference hosted by a private television channel in the country, claiming it was for the purpose of promoting tourism, is a political bribe or a legitimate tourism promotion investment.

In this regard, the 'Social Media Activists' Association for Democracy' lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption yesterday (03). Speaking to the media, Hemantha Sri Lal, the director of the association, alleged that it was problematic to award the said funds to a private institution instead of two loss-making state media institutions, and that this was a clear political bribe.

The said sum of 104 million rupees was paid to MTV, which represents the Sirasa Media Network belonging to the Maharaja Group. This was for the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) conference held in Sri Lanka.

Clarifying the government's stance on these allegations, Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, emphasized at yesterday's press briefing on Cabinet decisions that this money was not allocated from the Treasury or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister pointed out that it was a payment made entirely from the funds of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

The Tourism Promotion Bureau receives funds from a $5 fee charged from tourists arriving in the country and one percent of the revenue from tourist hotels. As explained by the Minister, 70% of this is allocated for promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, and funds from this source have previously been used for events such as rugby tournaments, the Colombo Marathon, and the Air Force Cycling Tour.

Since the Board of Directors of this fund includes owners and executive officers of leading hotels in the country, including three representatives from the Hotel Association, it is the government's position that this group has the authority to decide where funds should be spent to promote the tourism sector. The Minister further stated that since government tax money is not involved, the usual procurement process does not apply here.

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), with a history of 62 years, includes 225 state and private media institutions from 66 countries. Approximately 350 people participated in this year's conference held in Sri Lanka. According to the Minister, MTV was chosen to host this event not by the Sri Lankan government, but based on the recommendations of the ABU Executive Board. Sri Lanka also has about 6 channels, including two state channels, that are members of this union. The assessment regarding the payment of the said funds is that the arrival of many internationally recognized media institutions in the country creates a buzz about Sri Lanka, which directly promotes the tourism industry.

Furthermore, Mr. Nalinda Jayatissa completely rejected the allegations that this proposal was initially rejected by the Tourist Board and later brought before the Cabinet through some 'invisible force'. He stated that although the Bureau had the authority to spend funds with the Ministry's approval, due to the amount of this fund, there was a need to inform the Cabinet.

While the government points out that funding a conference attended by international delegates is a strategy to attract tourists, the accusation by social media activists that it was a political bribe given to the private sector, disregarding state media, has now been brought before the Bribery Commission.