Action Against Scammers – Semasinghe

BY Thameenah Razeek

Stern action would be taken against those who misused Samurdhi funds during the former Government, State Minister of Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self-Employment and Business Development Shehan Semasinghe said in Parliament yesterday (5).

The Ministry of State for Samurdhi, Home Economics, Microfinance, Self-Employment and Business Development is currently conducting a joint investigation with the Department of Samurdhi Development.

Responding to a question raised by MP Jagath Kumara, Semasinghe said that during the last presidential election, it was apparent that Samurdhi funds were being used to boost the image of that Government. “We have set up a committee to investigate complaints regarding Samurdhi disbursement. If any fraud has taken place, we will inform Parliament and take action to punish those persons,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Kumara also drew the attention of the Minister to the unresolved issues of Samurdhi officers during the last 25 years and said the Government will take steps to resolve those issues expeditiously.