By Roy Denish.
Norwood Aswesuma welfare fraud investigations have uncovered alleged losses nearing Rs. 30 million, with 18 state employees facing action.
Investigations into alleged financial irregularities within the Aswesuma social welfare programme at the Norwood Divisional Secretariat have exposed losses approaching Rs. 30 million, marking what is believed to be the largest welfare fraud detected in Sri Lanka to date.
The alleged scheme reportedly involved state employees misappropriating welfare funds intended for vulnerable, low-income families by fraudulently using the personal details and records of deceased elderly individuals. Authorities estimate that approximately 100 low-income families have been directly affected or deprived of their rightful financial assistance as a result of the scheme.
In addition to the substantial losses recorded at the Norwood Divisional Secretariat, parallel investigations have identified approximately Rs. 2 million in suspicious transactions linked to the nearby Talawakelle Divisional Secretariat.
Around 20 state employees across the Norwood and Talawakelle secretariats have been identified as suspects in connection with the alleged irregularities.
According to information obtained through the Right to Information Act, formal disciplinary action has already been initiated against 18 state employees linked to the Norwood inquiry. These measures include the dismissal of 10 individuals, comprising four staff members from the Norwood Divisional Secretariat and six teachers.
Furthermore, two female state employees connected to the case were previously arrested under the Public Property Act and remanded in custody.
The Audit Division of the Welfare Benefits Board has spent more than two months reviewing the financial transactions and administrative processes surrounding the alleged fraud, with a comprehensive final audit report currently pending.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue to examine possible failures in administrative oversight and accountability within the regional welfare system.
