The President of the Sri Lanka United Grama Niladhari Union, Nandana Ranasinghe, announced that Grama Niladharis have withdrawn from the responsibility of paying compensation of Rs. 500,000 to houses partially damaged by Cyclone Ditva, effective from 19 January.
According to Ranasinghe, this trade union action will continue until:
- A formalised payment process is introduced.
- Clear guidelines are established.
- Compensation payments are carried out under the supervision and assessment of technical officers.
Concerns Over Government Circular
Ranasinghe highlighted that the government has issued a circular instructing payments of Rs. 500,000 without conducting proper house assessments and even allowing unauthorised occupants to claim compensation. He warned that implementing these instructions could lead to serious audit issues for Grama Niladharis in the future.
Pressure and Accountability
The union president stated that Grama Niladharis are facing intense pressure at the village level to implement the government’s housing compensation programme. He emphasised that if compensation is paid for a house without a technical officer’s assessment, the responsibility and accountability for the payment will fall on the Grama Niladhari.
Lack of Assessment Criteria
Ranasinghe further noted that the circular does not specify any assessment standards or criteria for determining partial damage. As a result, even minor damage—such as a scratch on a wall or a broken tile—could qualify for the full Rs. 500,000 payment.
Source Mawbima Daily. 20.01.2016