Procurement News Notice |
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| PNN | 4230 |
| Work Detail | The Gymkhana Club, which has been no stranger to controversy of late, has found itself embroiled in another case of alleged misuse of funds, after it was revealed that the club had received Rs. 4 million for the development of facilities from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) – specifically to upgrade the facilities to host a practice match for the visiting Australian Team – but no work had been carried out to date. A source revealed to the Daily Mirror that a payment of Rs. 3.97 million (Rs. 3,970,000) from the SLC was made with cheque number 655327 on April 21 2016, but that it was channeled to various other expenses other than what it was intended for. “This money was given to do infrastructure development at the CCC Grounds to host a practice match, but there was no practice match and neither has there been any development work. No one knows where this money has gone,” a source claimed. “Cheques have been issued (by the club) since this money was credited to the Gymkhana account (at Sampath Bank) for various other expenses not in relation to developing the infrastructure of the grounds. By May 6, the balance was just Rs. 710,464.30,” the source also said. SLC Vice-President Mohan de Silva confirmed that a payment had been made to the Gymkhana Club for this purpose, and claimed that work had in fact taken place. “We released some funds for development work at the Moratuwa Stadium as well. The initial plan was to play the warm-up match (between the Australians and the Sri Lankan XI) at the Moratuwa Stadium but there was too much work to be done there. So the other option was the CCC Grounds, but the Australians were not happy with the facilities, so we moved to the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium,” he said. “CCC is a club that has produced several National players, including Kusal Mendis and Lakshan Sandakan, so I think it is important that we give money to club likes this,” de Silva also said, despite it having several allegations of mismanagement. “It is our duty to protect all stakeholders.” De Silva also claimed that work on the pitch and the dressing rooms had already been completed, and that there were plans to play some warm-up matches for the upcoming Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. This itself shows SLC is unaware of how money has been utilized for a purpose which on the own correspondence of the Gymkhana Club, has not been used for the purpose for which the funds were released to the club. Earlier this year, the Daily Mirror reported that the Club’s Chairman Shammi Silva, who is also the SLC Treasurer, had spent lavishly to celebrate Thilanga Sumathipala’s successful election as SLC President at January’s election – an expense that was incurred on the club’s account, and which had cleaned up virtually the entire liquor cupboard and food stocks at the club. “On 3rd January 2016 after the SLC AGM, Chairman had hosted a victory lap function to over 200 guests at the club, cleaning up virtually the entire liquor cellar and food stocks at the club. Liquor was served when club had no valid liquor license issued by the Department of Excise. The liquor license for 2016 was obtained only on 6th of January. This was totally a reckless act by the Chairman seriously undermining the interest of the club,” the club’s Secretary Prashantha Wimalasena wrote in a letter to the club’s Ex-Co Members. The Daily Mirror also reported that certain officials of the Gymkhana Club had misappropriated money from the clubs private EPF account to meet club expenses. Given that this is not the first instance that the Gymkhana Club is subjected to allegations of possible mismanagement, it is all but fair that SLC as the administrative body of the stakeholders, look into these matters in a professional manner in the best interests of the game. |
| Country | Sri Lanka , Southern Asia |
| Industry | Financial Services |
| Entry Date | 03 Sep 2016 |
| Source | http://www.wisdenindia.com/sri-lanka-news/gymkhana-club-runs-into-more-controversy/221028 |
