Royal College 'SAGA 2025' Fundraiser Under Scrutiny Over Alleged Financial Malpractice

• Royal College alumnus Padmasena Dissanayake has sent an Open Letter to Prime Minister/Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, raising alarms over the collection of money for the "SAGA 2025" event organised by the School Development Society (SDS). • Allegations suggest the school administration and organisers are treating the PM's directive against unauthorised collections as "mere words," questioning if the institution is above the law. • Key Financial Irregularities Alleged: • Money is reportedly not being collected through official SDS bank accounts, leading to a complete lack of transparency and zero accountability. • No receipts are issued for these collections. • Allegations also point to the bypassing of standard procurement guidelines for costumes, with organisers opting for a single supplier. Dissanayake suggests the procurement decision was allegedly delayed intentionally to justify a shortcut around tender procedures. • Parents are reportedly forced to sign a "declaration of willingness," which frames the mandatory fee (Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,500 per costume for over 600 students) as a voluntary contribution. Parents remain silent due to fear of victimisation of their children. • The letter urges the Prime Minister to intervene immediately to rectify the situation.