Cheques handed over with promises of relief have bounced, triggering anger, confusion and fresh questions over disaster compensation for Ditwah-affected families.
Cheques issued as compensation for houses destroyed by the Ditwah disaster in the Rajangana colony have reportedly been dishonoured due to insufficient funds, causing serious concern among affected residents. The cheques were ceremonially handed over to beneficiaries by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a programme held from January 16 to 17, where the President also laid the foundation stone for the construction of one of the damaged houses.
Under the government’s disaster relief programme, Rs. 2 million was to be paid per house in instalments to support reconstruction. However, the cheque issued to the beneficiary of the house for which the President laid the foundation stone, along with several others, has reportedly bounced twice when presented to the bank. President of the National Farmer Collective, Anuradha Thennakoon, claimed that cheques issued to compensate for crop losses in the Horowpathana and Parangiyawadiya areas were also dishonoured due to a lack of funds, accusing the government of issuing cheques without sufficient balances.
Responding to the allegations, Rajangana Divisional Secretary Upali Rajapakse said the issue arose because beneficiaries had failed to follow instructions provided to them. He explained that compensation payments were temporarily suspended following new government circulars and changes in beneficiary decisions.
According to the Divisional Secretary, several recipients initially agreed to build new houses but later decided to purchase houses instead. Of the seventeen individuals who received cheques, eleven changed their decision, leading to a suspension of payments until they submitted details of the properties to be purchased. He stressed that adequate funds are available but beneficiaries must first sign agreements and provide proof of undisputed land ownership.
Fresh cheques, he said, would be issued once the required documentation is submitted. The Anuradhapura District Secretary reiterated that the government’s objective is to ensure every destroyed house is replaced with a solid structure, with funds released in stages based on construction progress and strict supervision.
