Two officers attached to the Norwood Divisional Secretariat have been further remanded until August 25 over the alleged misappropriation of approximately Rs. 16.2 million in Aswesuma welfare funds.
Hatton Magistrate Peter Paul issued the order today (11) after the two suspects were produced before court.
The suspects, aged 31 and 32, are residents of the Hatton-Dickoya area and had been responsible for the Aswesuma section of the Norwood Divisional Secretariat.
According to investigators, the two officers allegedly transferred funds intended for Aswesuma beneficiaries into the bank accounts of relatives and acquaintances.
The suspects were arrested following a complaint lodged by Norwood Divisional Secretary Sameera Gamlath with the Hatton Police Division’s Special Investigation Unit.
Appearing for the suspects, their lawyers informed court that the two women were prepared to admit responsibility and repay the allegedly misappropriated funds. They requested that the suspects be released on bail.
However, police objected to bail, informing court that a complete audit report on the alleged financial irregularities had not yet been submitted by the Divisional Secretariat.
Investigators further informed court that inquiries were continuing into allegations that several other officials may also have been involved in the fraud.
The Magistrate, while considering the submissions, stressed that Aswesuma benefits are intended for economically vulnerable members of the public and that officials entrusted with administering such funds had no authority to misappropriate them.
Accordingly, the two suspects were further remanded until August 25.
Meanwhile, investigations are also being conducted into a senior official at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat, who is reportedly a brother of the two suspects. A portion of the allegedly misappropriated funds had reportedly been transferred to an account linked to him.
Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon has temporarily suspended the official from duties pending the investigation.
Meanwhile, Aswesuma beneficiaries whose payments have not been credited to their accounts have been visiting the Norwood Divisional Secretariat to inquire about their payments. Officials have reportedly been collecting their account and telephone details and informing them that the matter is being investigated.
