Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has exposed a massive payout scandal, revealing that 92 former Pradeshiya Sabha and Urban Council members were collectively paid Rs. 6206 lakh (Rs. 620.6 million) in public funds from the General Treasury as compensation for property damage during the May 9, 2022 unrest.
Speaking at a National People’s Power (NPP) campaign event in Horana, Gonapala, the Minister claimed these payments were made under the guise of covering damages to houses of politicians during the 2022 protest movement. However, he pointed out that many recipients were not only former officials but also relatives and allies of political figures.
Among the largest payouts disclosed:
- Lakshman Perera, Mayor of Kesbewa – Rs. 698.7 lakh
- His mother-in-law, Lalini Kelum – Rs. 392 lakh
- Combined total for the two – Rs. 1088 million
Other notable figures include:
- Hemantha Jaliya, Chairman of Dambulla Urban Council – Rs. 627.9 lakh
- Indunil Jagath Kumara, Chairman of Koti Kawatta Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha – Rs. 450.6 lakh
- M. R. Kumara, Chairman of Hambantota Pradeshiya Sabha – Rs. 352 lakh
- W. L. Wijesekera, Member of Minuwangoda Pradeshiya Sabha – Rs. 267.5 lakh
The list continues with payouts ranging from Rs. 100 lakh to over Rs. 130 lakh for several other council chairmen across the island.
Minister Jayatissa criticized the system for distributing public tax money to former officials under the label of “compensation,” while ordinary citizens were left to rebuild their lives without any such help. He also revealed that some individuals received insurance money in addition to government funds, which has triggered a separate investigation.
“This is how they emptied the Treasury,” the Minister said. “While citizens were struggling with shortages and inflation, this was happening behind closed doors.”
The Minister’s revelations have sparked calls for transparency and accountability, as many Sri Lankans continue to question how such large sums were approved and whether more names will be revealed in the days ahead.
