Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa has called for an investigation into the compensation paid to 43 MPs for houses that were torched during the 2022 unrest, despite being covered by fire insurance.
According to Sri Lanka’s disaster relief policy, governed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005, compensation for a completely destroyed house caps at Rs. 2.5 million, he said.
However, Dr. Mahanamahewa raised concerns over larger sums being allocated to MPs, questioning the legal basis for these payments.
According to Dr. Mahanamahewa, the compensation was determined by the previous government based on recommendations from a committee appointed by the then Minister of Public Administration.
“Some MPs have claimed that they did not request compensation but they were given the compensation. How does that happen? Who approved these?” he questioned, urging authorities to review the criteria used by this committee.
He also revealed that many affected MPs had already received insurance payouts for their damaged properties.
Dr. Mahanamahewa also suggested that the government initiate a process to recover the excess funds from the Treasury. (Newswire)