Key Moments:
- NLB Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera announced legal action following allegations of Rs. 120 million in misappropriated lottery revenue.
- Multiple individuals, including close relatives of prominent political figures, have been named in connection with unpaid amounts to the National Lotteries Board.
- NLB officials clarified that 41 super prizes were given in 2024, with prize disbursements totaling Rs. 47 crores this year.
Allegations of Large-Scale Lottery Ticket Sales Fraud
The National Lotteries Board (NLB) has revealed intentions to pursue strict legal measures against the wife of MP Hesha Withanage and the sister-in-law of former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. NLB Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera stated these individuals, serving as district representatives, are accused of misappropriating more than Rs. 120 million by selling over 500,000 lottery tickets.
Additional Individuals Under Investigation
During a media briefing at the Peace Center in Colombo, Perera outlined that several other persons, put forward by past ministers including Duminda Dissanayake and Navin Dissanayake, have outstanding debts to the Board. He detailed a case involving a Kuliyapitiya-based sales agent, recommended by former Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam in 2016, who has yet to settle Rs. 9,878,000. Perera said, “A sales agent in Kuliyapitiya, recommended by former Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam in 2016, has not paid Rs. 9,878,000. Under the Public Property Act, even non-payment of Rs. 100,000 requires a complaint to the Criminal Investigation Department. Similarly, Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Nandani, recommended by MP Hesha Withanage, owes Rs. 2.1 million and has not paid despite repeated notices. The Fraud Investigation Division is now looking into these cases.”
He also identified K.D. Dharmapala and D.J. Perera as owing Rs. 2,370,000 and Rs. 609,000 respectively, both of whom received roles with the backing of previous cabinet ministers.
NLB Maintains Transparency and Prize Payments
The NLB has confirmed that all due prize money and taxes have been fully paid and announced plans to present a complete report on these incidents to the COPE committee next month.
Clarification on Lottery Payouts and Performance
Addressing recent assertions about declining lottery winnings, NLB General Manager A.M. Arif responded directly to claims made by Asela Sampath. Arif stated, “We sell around 3.7 million tickets daily, bringing in nearly Rs. 150 million every day. All our operations are transparent, and the public is treated fairly. Misleading claims about prize money and operations are unacceptable.” He further highlighted that, in 2024, 41 super prizes had been awarded, and up to September 2025, 40 super prizes had already been distributed. This year, the NLB paid the highest total prize money ever in Sri Lanka, amounting to Rs. 47 crores.
Key Parties and Amounts Owed
| Name / Role | Affiliation or Recommender | Amount Owed |
|---|---|---|
| Wife of MP Hesha Withanage | MP Hesha Withanage | Part of Rs. 120 million |
| Sister-in-law of former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam | Akila Viraj Kariyawasam | Part of Rs. 120 million |
| Kuliyapitiya Sales Agent | Akila Viraj Kariyawasam (2016) | Rs. 9,878,000 |
| Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Nandani | MP Hesha Withanage | Rs. 2,100,000 |
| K.D. Dharmapala | Backed by former minister | Rs. 2,370,000 |
| D.J. Perera | Backed by former minister | Rs. 609,000 |
- Author
Daniel Williams
