Speed Read
- The Social Media Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka Collective filed a complaint on Nov. 3 seeking an investigation into the sponsorship of a private broadcaster’s ABU event.
- Cabinet Paper No. 26/1947/807/035, dated Sept. 17, 2026, records approval for the sponsorship, subject to the Finance Minister’s observations.
- Cabinet spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa said the more than $313,000 (LKR 104 million) was provided through the SLTPB using tourism-related levy revenue, not a direct Treasury allocation.
- Sri Lanka Tourism projected promotional media value exceeding $752,000 (LKR 250 million), while concerns remain over how the expected benefits will be measured.
COLOMBO—A complaint was been lodged with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), calling for an investigation into the government’s decision to provide more than $313,000 (LKR 104 million) in sponsorship for an international broadcasting conference hosted by a private television broadcaster.
The complaint was filed on Nov. 3 by the Social Media Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka Collective, questioning the allocation of a substantial amount of public funds to MTV Channel (Private) Limited to host the 63rd general assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), along with associated meetings, a music festival and excursions.
The complaint has brought renewed scrutiny to the government’s decision to channel the sponsorship through the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), with questions emerging over the justification, approval process and accountability for the expenditure.
Responding to the allegations at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Cabinet spokesperson and mass media minister Nalinda Jayatissa maintained that the sponsorship did not come from government tax revenue or constitute a direct allocation from the Treasury. Instead, he said, the funds were provided by the SLTPB through revenue generated from tourism-related levies.
Jayatissa defended the expenditure as falling within the bureau’s mandate to promote Sri Lanka internationally, arguing that supporting events with potential tourism promotional benefits was part of its responsibility.
However, the sponsorship had also required Cabinet approval, as documented in Cabinet Paper No. 26/1947/807/035, a memorandum dated Sept. 17, 2026, submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
The memorandum, titled “Sponsorship for MTV Channel (Private) Limited, to host the 63rd Asian Broadcasting Union (ABU) General Assembly and Associated Meetings, Music Festival and Excursion in Sri Lanka,” was considered alongside observations submitted by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Following deliberations, the Cabinet approved pursuing the recommendations set out in items 3.1.1 to 3.1.5 of subparagraph 3.1, paragraph 3.0 of the memorandum, subject to giving due consideration to the matters raised in the final paragraph of the Finance Minister’s observations and taking action accordingly.
The decision was also treated as confirmed, with the secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers authorized to communicate it to the relevant authorities for implementation.
The contents of the finance minister’s observations, particularly the matters specified in the final paragraph, are significant in determining the conditions attached to the approval and whether they were subsequently fulfilled.
Jayatissa said the SLTPB regularly evaluates sponsorship opportunities that could contribute to the tourism industry, with proposals assessed by its board, which includes representatives from the tourism and hospitality sectors.
He also clarified that MTV Channel Ltd.’s selection as the host broadcaster was made by the ABU and not by the Sri Lankan Government.
Chevaan Daniel, recently appointed vice president of ABU and executive group director of Capital Maharaja Group, was contacted for comment on the controversy. He said his position was the same as that of the government.
In a media release issued on Nov. 2, Sri Lanka Tourism said the ABU general assembly was expected to generate promotional media value exceeding $752,000 (LKR 250 million) through international exposure.
The bureau described the gathering as an opportunity to position Sri Lanka not only as a leisure destination but also as a venue for international conferences and major events, an increasingly important segment of the country’s tourism development strategy.
The Colombo gathering brought together approximately 350 international delegates representing leading media organizations. The ABU has around 225 member organizations across 66 countries, providing a platform for international exposure.
The general assembly’s inauguration was attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, alongside senior government officials.
The controversy also raises questions about the basis on which a private broadcaster was selected to receive substantial tourism promotion sponsorship, the assessment of the anticipated publicity benefits and the mechanisms in place to ensure accountability for the expenditure.
The 63rd ABU general assembly was held in Colombo from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, 2026.
Banner Image: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the 63rd general assembly of ABU. Image courtesy of President’s Media Division.
This story was written and edited by Gagani Weerakoon. She leads the editorial at the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR).
This story was produced with support from Report for the World, a global media service strengthening local independent journalism.
