A high-ranking official of the Kandy Municipal Council’s Finance Department has been suspended with immediate effect following allegations of misappropriating funds amounting to Rs. 51 lakhs. The officer, holding the position of Chief Management Service Officer in a division of the Finance Department, allegedly diverted the funds, intended for the Kandy Municipal Council’s account, to finance her daughter’s wedding ceremony.
Preliminary investigations into the matter were conducted, leading to the suspension decision. The Municipal Commissioner of Kandy Municipal Council, Mr. Ishan Wijethilaka, recommended the immediate suspension of the concerned officer. The recommendation was forwarded through the Secretary of the Provincial Chief Ministry to the Chief Secretary of the Central Province, who subsequently issued the suspension letter to the officer in question.
Reports suggest that the municipal employee allegedly used the misappropriated funds as part of a lending scheme operating in the central market of Kandy. The scheme involved providing money to businessmen in the market in the morning at a 10% interest rate and collecting the money, along with the interest, in the afternoon.
In response to this incident, the Kandy Municipal Commissioner’s Office emphasized the implementation of rigorous measures, including introducing a system for payments through the Postal Department to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent activities within the Municipal Council. This suspension decision underscores the commitment to combat corruption and uphold financial integrity within the municipal administration.
