Former deputy Speaker alleged to have received Rs.200,000 in disaster compensation: MP

BY Ajithlal Shanthaudaya 

A former Deputy Speaker is alleged to have received Rs.200,000 as compensation, claiming that his business establishment was damaged during the recent disaster. 

This transpired during the Ratnapura District Coordinating Committee that met yesterday under the chairmanship of Parliamentarian Shantha Padmakumara at the District Secretariat.  The Chairman pointed out that compensation paid to the owners of small-scale businesses has been paid to the wrong individuals, whose business establishments had not suffered any damage. 

“I handed over the cheques to several small-scale entrepreneurs. Former Deputy Speaker was among them. Officials have informed me that his business establishment was not affected by the disaster. It should be probed,” he said. 

Ratnapura District Director of Small-Scale Enterprises Development said he paid compensation to the owners of several small-scale business establishments, including that of the former Deputy Speaker. He said he did not personally inspect it and that he made payments on the report submitted by the Kolonne office.” 

Ratnapura District Secretary K.D.S.Nishantha said 76 businessmen received compensation through the Ministry of Industries and that the Divisional Secretariats were not involved. He pointed out that the alleged irregularity could have been averted if the Director recommended the payments after an inspection. 

District Secretary said a committee headed by the Additional District Secretary would be appointed to probe the issue.