Residents allege corruption in Monaragala disaster relief payments; officials accused of taking commissions

Residents in several parts of Monaragala have accused several officials attached to the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat of allegedly engaging in fraudulent practices during the distribution of disaster compensation funds.

According to complaints, some officials are said to have demanded commission payments from beneficiaries in exchange for releasing disaster relief funds, while also allegedly coercing recipients into handing over portions of their compensation.

A local resident has made serious allegations against a disaster relief services officer, claiming that a commission of Rs. 100,000 was forcibly taken from her compensation payment.

She stated that she received a cheque worth Rs. 2 million and was later accompanied by officials to a bank, where she was instructed on how much money to withdraw. She further alleged that after withdrawing the funds, an official took Rs. 100,000, claiming it as a commission.

The complainant has since filed reports with both the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat and police. She also alleges that she was later pressured by individuals connected to the accused officer to withdraw her complaint and provide false statements to authorities.

In a separate allegation, residents claim that the Grama Niladhari officer of Maduruketiya has also been involved in demanding commissions from disaster compensation recipients.

One resident alleged that beneficiaries were asked for large commission payments under the threat that their compensation approvals would be withheld or reduced.

Further accusations include claims that compensation payments were irregularly distributed, with some individuals reportedly receiving funds despite not meeting eligibility criteria, while others allegedly received reduced amounts after paying commissions.

Authorities have not yet issued an official response regarding the allegations, and investigations are expected to follow.