Allegations of a large-scale financial fraud amounting to Rs. 9.2 million in relation to fuel allocations for vehicles engaged in disaster management activities following Cyclone Ditwah have been raised by opposition members of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and civil society representatives.

United National Party (UNP) Municipal Councillor Susantha Priyalal Palihawadana and Dinesh Lanka Geeganage of the Nuwara Eliya Protection Organization submitted written complaints to the Auditor General and the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government in Nuwara Eliya, requesting a formal investigation into the alleged misuse of funds allocated for diesel.

Addressing the media after lodging the complaints, Councillor Palihawadana stated that following the cyclone last year, the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, under the supervision of the Divisional Secretary, had undertaken development and clearing work along the Talagala Oya using hired heavy machinery, including backhoes.

According to him, the Divisional Secretariat had transferred Rs. 2 million to the Municipal Council's official bank account to support the operations, while additional expenses were reportedly covered using council funds. He further alleged that approvals for the expenditures had been obtained through the intervention of Mayor Upali Wanigasekara.

Palihawadana claimed that although more than Rs. 9.2 million had been spent on diesel for the hired machinery and vehicles, the extent of work carried out did not correspond to the expenditure incurred.

He alleged that a significant financial irregularity may have taken place in the management of the funds.

The complainants have also called for an impartial and comprehensive inquiry into allegations relating to the provision of fuel and the hiring of vehicles without adherence to proper procurement and tender procedures.

Authorities are now expected to review the complaints and determine whether a formal investigation will be initiated.