In what appears to be a move to buy further time even after several weeks have passed since Colombo Telegraph published allegations of serious fraud, the Centre for Policy Alternatives claims that the authenticity of the relevant documents is being verified.
“An independent verification of all vouchers and documents in CPA’s possession relating to the allegations made against the organization is underway.” says the Centre for Policy Alternatives.
CPA Executive Director, Dr Saravanamuttu
“CPA will release a statement once this has been completed.” under the headline “Allegations on Colombo Telegraph website: Update” the CPA website further said today.
On October 10th Colombo Telegraph exposed various financial malpractices in the CPA. The CPA, in its official website, referring to this exposé, on the same day announced that its Executive Director, Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu was away and that a response would be given ‘in two weeks’. Dr Saravanamuttu returned to Sri Lanka on the 17th. The self-imposed deadline expired on 24th October.
On October 10th, based on CPA documents in our possession, Colombo Telegraph accused the CPA of billing for un-held workshops, engaging in double billing,’ i.e getting grants from two donors to do the same task and duplicating receipts, hotel bills and other bills to submit to donors (perhaps even submitting same bills to multiple donors), and hoodwinking donors by filing expenses under safe cost columns.
Colombo Telegraph first asked the CPA to respond to certain questions based on our investigations on 8th of June, 2014. The CPA, after exchanging a few emails finally said: “We consider further communication with you futile and reiterate our position that these allegations are clearly mala fide’.”
We responded as follows:
“It is of course your prerogative to communicate or refuse to do so, but there are troubling questions that remain.
“Can you tell us which of our allegations are mala fide?
“Can you tell us whether the CPA and the International Federation of Journalists together have submitted proposals to UNESCO and EU to do a “Public Service Broadcasting” campaign/training or not?
“If “yes” can you tell us what workshops were, for whom and where they were held?
How many workshops were held using UNESCO funding and how many workshops under EU funding?
“Since both EU and UNESCO funded workshops and certain activities, can tell us how much monies were given by both funders?
“Contrary to your claim that the “CPA paid the Galle Face Hotel liquor bill”, Sasha Ekanayake (the Unit coordinator at that time) said CPA submitted a bill to EU as drinks and food “Since (we) can’t charge liquor, the CPA submitted a different bill to CPA”. This means the CPA got a different bill from Galle Face Hotel instead of submitting the original bill (a copy of which I sent to you). Would you agree?
“As we said before it’s not our duty to provide you documents. As you have implied in your last email, you have access to organization’s document so please check them.
“But don’t assume that we don’t have documents, we have all narrative reports which CPA submitted to the donors or a file of original bills, which the CPA did not submit to the donors.
“Just so you know, all documents are authentic and we can prove this if necessary.”
These are questions and comments that are based on damning documentary evidence in the possession of the Colombo Telegraph. The Colombo Telegraph finds it appalling that a strong advocate of checks and balances, accountability and transparency such as the CPA remains silent on the allegations.
Related posts;
Nirmal Condemns Hypocrisy Of “NGO Tribe”
CPA’s Powerful ED Dr. Sara Is Travelling, CPA Says It Needs Two Weeks To Respond
Exposé: Centre For Policy Alternatives Defrauded And Hoodwinked Donors
CPA Hattotuwa Must Answer Instead Of Dodging And Misleading
Response To Article In Colombo Telegraph
Exposed: Rights Advocacy A Gateway To Lavish Lifestyles
CPA Removes Groundviews Editor From ‘Senior Staff’
‘Dhanapala Must Choose’ Says Saravanamuttu
How Sunanda Robbed Money And Rs 30.9 million Unaudited FMM
Sunanda Saga, States Of Denial And NGO Accountability
thondamannar / November 2, 2014
Unfortunately, too many $$$$ have got entangled.
Pakaya Sothy is engrossed in newly discovered $$ notes.
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lynx / November 3, 2014
If everything is above board and as the CPA says all documentation is ‘authentic,’why is further verification necessary? It shouldn’t take 23 days anyway. Surely CPA can come out clearly and say that these allegations are baseless. The projects about which the questions are raised are clearly identified.
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Bedrock Barney / November 3, 2014
The bar bill is eight years old. Most members of NGO’s and consulting firm often expense drinks, expensive hotel stays, airline tickets etc. It is not condoned but almost everyone does it.
The Colombo Telegraph and the CPA have had bad blood for awhile. What a pity cuz they ought to be on the same side fighting the regime. Like the various opposition groups in SL who fight each other and cannot unite to fight the regime.
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Harry Hatton / November 3, 2014
Mr ( DR ?) Pakiasothy will claim that this is a witch hunt by the government and that he is a victim . These sanctimonious humbugs must be exposed . That think they have a monopoly on good governance . It is not easy to maintain fast women with expensive taste !
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K.A Sumanasekera / November 3, 2014
Did CPA boss Paikiosothy allege that the Govt is too slow investigating our MPs and Ministers who are on the take and even issue character certificates to Drug dealers and Importers….
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Dev / November 3, 2014
I hope that CPA is not using delaying tactics hoping this will be forgotten ! That’s the regime ploy !
@CT Editors + Readers:
What ever happened to J Dhanapala and his involvement with Dialog board ?
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Peter Casie Chetty / November 4, 2014
Good work CT. This man has being fooling many with Chandrika’s help Exposing the crook n the Government and or NGOs is vital as long as it is done properly.
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Kirri Yakka / November 4, 2014
Oh We just cant wait to find out how Paki waked an extra drink or two at other peoples expense. CT folks – time to get over it and get on with billion $ drug busts organized by palimentarians.
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Peace Lover / November 7, 2014
CT and CPA reminds me of the Sinhala and Tamil parties which fought among themselves while the country was burning
shame on CT and shame on CPA
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