FILM-WORLD SCAM MOVIE LIKE

*Irregularities in importing Tamil films

*Involvement of bogus agent

Vijayani Edirisinghe

Several frauds involving millions of rupees have been detected at the National Film Corporation by the Presidential Special Investigation Unit investigating a complaint made by Corporation Chairman Asoka Serasinghe concerning the import of Tamil films for the Deepavali season in 2010.

Investigations revealed that the Deputy General Manager (Finance) has proposed the import and exhibition of three films during Deepavali 2010, and misled the Board of Directors into releasing Rs. 9 million for three films. However, only a single film had been actually imported spending Rs. 8.5 million, causing a loss of several millions to the Corporation. The investigations have also uncovered several irregularities committed in the import of Tamil films “Uttama Putram” and Nagaram Manippakkum as well as the import of D.T.S. equipment.

The correct procurement procedure had not been adopted in importing D.T.S. equipment. Cinema halls which received this equipment had not settled the instalment payments due to the Corporation for them.

The local film company which acted as agent for the import of the film “Uttama Putram” was not an authorized agent as it had failed to register with the NFC for the year 2010.

The Deputy General Manager had also allegedly committed a financial irregularity regarding the misuse of Corporation funds on an unnecessary Indian trip.

The investigation report has already been handed over to the relevant authorities by the Presidential Special Investigation Unit which had also identified the names of persons responsible for these irregularities.