Exposé: Centre For Policy Alternatives Defrauded And Hoodwinked Donors

October 10, 2014 

He was on his way home from work when someone threw acid on his face. He had to swallow acid to keep breathing, even though it damaged his lungs. Not only was he seriously disfigured he also lost an eye in the attack. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) conferred the National Integrity Award on him in 2004 for his fearless service as an Audit Superintendent in the Auditor General’s Department.

Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu

He was none other than Lalith Ambanwela, an exemplary public servant. Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) was a TISL director at the time it was decided that Ambanwela deserved the Award.  Shelton Wanasinghe, a CPA director, was the judge who selected Amabanwela from the nominees.

Ambanwela was subjected to this acid attack while investigating corruption at the Education Department, Central Province. In addition to fraud committed in tender procedures, the inquiry also focused on embezzlement of funds amount to Rs 8 million for a series of workshops that were never held. Lalith Ambanwela stated that vouchers had been submitted to obtain money for these un-held workshops.

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Welcome to theCentre for Policy Alternatives (CPA)

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) was formed in 1996 in the firm belief that the vital contribution of civil society to the public policy debate is in need of strengthening. CPA is committed to programs of research and advocacy through which public policy is critiqued, alternatives identified and disseminated. CPA is an independent, non-partisan organization which receives funds from international and bilateral funding agencies and foundations.

Allegations on Colombo Telegraph website

10 October 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is aware of an article in theColombo Telegraph website published on 10 October 2014.

The article contains a number of allegations against the organisation and certain members of the staff.

As the Executive Director is travelling on work, CPA will post a response to these allegations on his return to Sri Lanka in the next two weeks.