Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has accused Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) of corruption concerning three LED screens imported to be installed at three cricket stadiums in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the Parliament today (Dec 01), MP Premadasa said the LED screens had been imported to be installed at the Pallekele, Dambulla, and R. Premadasa Stadiums.

“Tenders were opened on 14th July, but on the 13th of July, part of the payment had been made. 4 companies had placed bids for the supply,” he said.

MP Premadasa revealed that, however, the tender has been offered to the company which quoted Rs. 360 million and not to the company which quoted Rs. 25 million less.

“The tender had not been given to the company which quoted Rs. 25 million less due to a technical fault such as a missing signature,” he said.

MP Premadasa further accused the Sri Lanka Customs of having under-invoiced the LED screens for US$ 29,000 and only imposing a tax of Rs. 6.5 million.

He pointed out that Sri Lanka Customs should have imposed a tax of at least US$ 150, 000 from the importer.

The Opposition Leader further alleged that amidst such actions, the government was attempting to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) to 18% from next year citing insufficient government revenue.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has issued a statement responding to the allegations raised by the Opposition Leader in Parliament today about SLC’s program of establishing LED digital screens in three of its international venues.

The SLC vehemently denied the allegation of under-invoicing, stating that contrary to the claims, it asserts that there was no such importation by the organization.

The SLC further said the opposition leader’s assertion that SLC paid a sum of US$ 29,000 to the supplier on the 13th of July 2023, a day before the opening of the tender, is unequivocally false.

Stating that a competitive bidding process was undertaken in accordance with proper procurement guidelines, the SLC said the procurement process was conducted by a qualified procurement committee, which consisted of a representative from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Sri Lanka Cricket has urged the Opposition Leader to exercise caution and refrain from making misleading statements using the parliamentary privileges that could adversely affect Sri Lanka’s most iconic sports brand.