SLC Forensic Audit: Irregularities in providing broadcasting rights

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The forensic audit conducted into Sri Lanka Cricket has revealed a number of suspicious transactions including the transaction which involved granting broadcast rights for local matches. A Cabinet memorandum approved on the 27th of June 2011 stated broadcasting rights of international cricket matches in Sri Lanka or overseas should be given to a state media institution. The Cabinet memorandum further states any private TV or radio station dedicated solely to sports can be given such rights following discussions. However, details have now surfaced revealing, Sri Lanka Cricket had not followed the necessary protocol or tender procedure when awarding broadcasting rights for local stations. Yet another revelation made was that the Chief Operating Officer of SLC had made these transactions through his personal e-mail account and not via the official account. Broadcasting rights for the Nidhahas Trophy which was held in 2018 had also been awarded without the approval of the management committee of Sri Lanka Cricket or the Executive Committee. It has also been observed the broadcasting rights of the Nidhahas Trophy had been awarded only 4 days prior to the commencement of the tournament. Also although the tax invoice, released to obtain the funds for providing the broadcasting rights of the tournament, had been issued to a company by the name of VIS Broadcasting Pvt Ltd, the cheque which was issued (transferring the funds) had said it was issued by SKY Media Network.