Compensation cheques issued to Ditwah victims bounce for lack of funds

By B.G.Chaturanga 

Cheques issued as compensation for houses destroyed in the Ditwah disaster in the Rajangana colony have reportedly been dishonoured due to insufficient funds, raising concerns among affected residents.

The cheques were ceremonially handed over to beneficiaries by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a programme held from January 16 to 17, at which the President also laid the foundation stone for the construction of one of the houses. 

The government has taken steps to pay Rs.02 million per house in instalments to build a new house. However, the cheque issued to the beneficiary of the house for which the President laid the foundation stone, and others, have been dishonoured twice by the bank. President of National Farmer Collective Anuradha Thennakoon said the cheques issued to pay compensation for the crop devastation in Horowpathana, and Parangiyawadiya areas have been dishonoured for lack of funds. He accused the government of issuing cheques without funds in the bank account. However, Rajangana Divisional Secretary Upali Rajapakse said the beneficiaries of the compensation scheme had ignored the instructions given to them and that it created an issue. The President has taken steps to pay compensation expeditiously for houses destroyed in the disaster, but the payments were suspended in view of the subsequent circulars issued by the government. Several beneficiaries changed their minds and decided to purchase houses, which resulted in temporarily stopping payments. However, payments have already been made in case of individuals who had not created any obstacle.” 

Seventeen individuals received cheques from the President to build new houses, but eleven of them changed their minds and decided to purchase houses. The payments were suspended until they furnished the particulars of houses to be purchased. Adequate funds are available to make payments to the beneficiaries who received cheques from the President. However, they are required to sign an agreement and to produce sufficient proof of undisputed ownership of land. They had been advised not to forward the cheques to the bank until they fulfilled these requirements. Sadly, they have ignored the instructions,” the Divisional Secretary said. He further said fresh cheques would be issued in place of those dishonoured when they fulfilled the requirements. 

Anuradhapura District Secretary said the objective of the government is to build a solid house in place of every house destroyed in the natural disaster, and that it would be subject to thorough supervision. He said the funds would be released in instalments depending on the progress of the construction works of the houses. The District Secretary further said that the government has allocated adequate funds for all houses.