University of Peradeniya faces scrutiny over financial irregularities

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has revealed significant financial and administrative irregularities at the University of Peradeniya. During an examination of Auditor General reports for 2023 and 2024, the committee identified governance weaknesses, including the maintenance of 68 active bank accounts that failed to close following project completions.

Environmental concerns were also raised regarding improper wastewater management in student hostels. Delays in the Kandy Urban Wastewater Project have caused estimated costs to rise from Rs. 464 million to Rs. 1.4 billion, though officials noted that Rs. 2 billion in funding has been secured from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Additionally, the committee found that research allowances were paid to 59 non-academic and executive officers without necessary approvals from the Research Management Committee. The committee has instructed that all payments not conforming to public financial regulations be legally settled.