JO complains to CIABOC over alleged Rs. 128 m losses over textbook printing

MP Indika Anuruddha	MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage

• Claims Education Minister spent extra public funds printing Grade 7 geography textbook using synthetic paper
• Claims studies show synthetic paper harmful to students vision 

By Nuwan Senarathna

Joint Opposition members yesterday filed a complaint against Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) alleging misappropriation of State funds when printing the Grade 7 geography textbook.

In their complaint, the JO MPs requested the Bribery Commission to investigate whether Kariyawasam had caused Rs. 128.9 million in losses to the Government for using funds to print the textbook on synthetic paper rather than the normal paper it is typically printed on.  

Speaking to media at the Opposition Leader’s office MP Indika Anuruddha alleged Minister Kariyawasam had neglected to follow procedures that were accepted in printing textbooks.

“Studies has shown the synthetic papers used to print those books is harmful to health. According to studies the materials used could cause eye irritation if students are regularly exposed to the papers. Since this is a textbook students will regularly use that, which may be harmful to their eyes.” Anuruddha said.

He claimed if the textbooks were printed on regular pages it would have cost Rs. 25.8 million but the Education Ministry’s decision to print geography textbook on synthetic paper had cost Rs. 154.7 million, which caused a Rs. 128.9 million loss to the State.

“It costs only Rs. 52.92 to print the regular book but under the new initiative, the State had to spend Rs. 304.18 for a book, which is six times more than the regular print. The reason for this was the Minister had not correctly calculated the cost of printing.”

He claimed the tender to print the textbooks was awarded to a company that has links to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. According to Anuruddha, the Education Ministry had not followed accepted procedures in awarding the tender for the printing of textbooks.

“We have information to prove the company that printed Grade 7 geography textbooks partially owned by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe as he has shares of that company. The company registered under his resident and most of the shareholder’s mention Primer’s address as their address, which raises suspicion and gives us reasons to believe the Prime Minister had links to this entire scenario.”

Anuruddha said the JO expects the CIABOC will investigate their complaint and take necessary action against those responsible.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara