Legal Action Against 14 Officials Over Aswesuma Fund Fraud

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Welfare Benefits Board says legal action has been taken against 14 government officials accused of misappropriating Aswesuma welfare payments at several Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.

Chairman Nimal Kotawelagedara said investigations revealed that the officials had allegedly diverted Aswesuma funds into their personal bank accounts.

The findings emerged from a nationwide investigation into alleged irregularities and fraud in the payment and distribution of welfare benefits at Divisional Secretariat level since 2023.

The Chairman stressed that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible, regardless of their position or rank.

Legal and disciplinary action is being taken against officials attached to the Norwood Divisional Secretariat and several other Divisional Secretariat offices over alleged fraud involving these Aswesuma welfare payments.

According to the Chairman, investigations have revealed that funds were fraudulently transferred to the personal accounts of four officials at the Norwood Divisional Secretariat.

The Chairman also urged public officials to refrain from engaging in such fraudulent activities, warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible.