Fraud Bureau investigate on forged signature
The Colombo Fraud Bureau has instigated an investigation following a complaint made by a member of the Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Hockey Federation (SLHF), who claimed that her signature was forged to a document that sanctioned a national Masters’ Hockey team for an international tournament. Thanujani Yapa from Avissawella, a member of the SLHF Selection Committee, had stated that her signature had been forged, as well as the other signatories of the Selection Committee, into the documents that approved a national Masters’ Women’s team for a tournament that was held in Nottingham, England in 2022.
According to information, the Sri Lanka Masters’ Hockey Federation has selected a team based on merit and performances of players following a selection trial. Yapa and other members of the had been involved in the selection process. But after the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Masters’ Women’s Hockey Association revealed that the cost of a player to travel to England will exceed Rs. One million, most of the women’s masters’ players have withdrawn from the intended tour.
Later, with the consent of the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Masters’ Women’s Association, a different team including players with less qualification have been formed to tour England. A similar incident had taken place in 2019, according to a statement made by the selection committee member, who questioned the process in obtaining the approval from the Ministry of Sports without the consent of the SLHF Selection Committee. Ms. Yapa had requested an investigation on the earlier incident as well.
The Officer In-Charge of the Colombo Fraud Bureau, Tissa Pilapitiya had informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate that investigations are currently underway into the incident.