Several opposition members of the Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha and representatives of the Rajarata Jana Govi Ekamuthuwa visited the Rajanganaya Divisional Secretariat, alleging that compensation cheques issued for the reconstruction of houses fully damaged by Cyclone Ditwah had been dishonoured, Rajanganaya Divisional Secretary Upali Rajapaksha said.
He made these remarks yesterday (27) while addressing a media briefing.
Under the first phase of the compensation scheme, 17 beneficiaries in the Rajanganaya Division were selected to receive Rs. 2 million each to rebuild houses that were completely destroyed by the cyclone. Selection was limited to those who had agreed to reconstruct their homes on the same land where the damage occurred.
However, Rajapaksha said that following the ceremonial handover of cheques on the 9th, presided over by the President, 11 of the 17 beneficiaries had informed him that they were no longer willing to rebuild their houses on the affected land.
According to the Divisional Secretary, existing circulars require beneficiaries to submit documentation confirming clear ownership of the land before funds are released. During the verification process, issues were identified with the ownership status of some plots. As a result, beneficiaries were informed not to encash the cheques until further notice.
Despite these instructions, attempts were made to deposit the cheques, leading to them being dishonoured, he said. The release of funds to the 11 beneficiaries has since been suspended.
Explaining the situation further, Rajapaksha said that cheques valued at Rs. 2 million each had been handed over to all 17 selected beneficiaries on the understanding that they would rebuild their houses on the same land. However, after receiving the cheques, 11 beneficiaries indicated that they intended instead to purchase land with houses elsewhere.
“As we had clearly informed them not to deposit the cheques until the required documentation was submitted and approvals granted, the dishonouring occurred because those instructions were ignored,” he said.
Rajapaksha added that the dishonoured cheques have now been retrieved and that arrangements are being made to issue new cheques and proceed with the release of funds to eligible beneficiaries, in line with the prescribed procedures.
