Parliamentary watchdog flags financial control issues at Peradeniya University

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPE) has identified significant weaknesses in the financial management and internal control systems at the University of Peradeniya, one of the country's leading higher education institutions.

The parliamentary watchdog's concerns centre on how the university oversees and accounts for its finances, with the committee noting that adequate controls have not been consistently implemented across the institution's operations. Such findings underscore broader governance challenges facing Sri Lanka's state universities as they manage increasingly complex budgets and operations.

Peadeniya University, located in the central highlands and serving thousands of students across multiple faculties, is among the nation's premier academic institutions. The COPE findings suggest the need for strengthened financial procedures and enhanced oversight mechanisms to ensure public resources are properly safeguarded and utilised in accordance with regulations.

The committee's observations are expected to prompt the university administration to review and reinforce its financial management practices. Universities across South Asia have faced increasing scrutiny over fiscal accountability, reflecting growing demands from governments and stakeholders for transparency in the use of public education funding.

Officials at Peradeniya University have not yet issued a public response to the COPE report. The committee typically provides institutions with opportunities to address identified concerns and implement corrective measures.