The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna
K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna said the Agriculture Sector Modernization Project, funded by a World Bank loan of about USD 48.6 million from 2017 to 2024, required further study before a detailed answer could be given. He reported alleged irregularities, fraud and misuse of funds for projects linked to former Ministers, noting that some beneficiaries are now in loan default lists. He said about USD 5 million had effectively been wasted due to unsuccessful implementation, and that legal action and a Cabinet memorandum for further action were being prepared.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the question needs study and a detailed answer. However, we have reports that from 2017 to 2024 the Agriculture Sector Modernization Project (ASMP), funded by the World Bank, was implemented with about USD 48.6 million—loan funds to be repaid. As reported, certain irregularities, fraud and corruption occurred; funds were used for projects of certain then-Ministers. Some are now in loan default lists. We are prepared to take legal action. Approximately USD 5 million of this project has effectively been wasted due to lack of success. We are now preparing a Cabinet memorandum to take further action.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Tuesday, 8 July 2025 ·No. 1752482630017444 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 8 July 2025. No. 1752482630017444. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/10874