The Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari Association states that no legal directive has been issued requiring the approval of Community Development Committees when providing relief to disaster-affected individuals.
Its convener, Mr. Sumith Kodikara, said that various forms of pressure are being exerted on Grama Niladharis during the process of distributing assistance to people affected by disasters.
He expressed these concerns at a media briefing held in the Kandy area.
Mr. Kodikara further explained:
“The Praja Shakthi Committee was established to support development activities and poverty eradication initiatives in this country. We have never seen any circular granting authority to the Praja Shakthi Committee in relation to disaster situations. In particular, at no point in history have political committees been empowered as state officials to make recommendations during disasters. Politicians in the village may cooperate with us, but everything must be done legally.”
He added that politicians of the current government are exerting strong pressure on officers.
According to him, in some areas various forms are being distributed improperly.
“A member of a Pradeshiya Sabha division in the Kandy district has issued a form claiming that Rs. 25,000 will be given to everyone in that village. It cannot be issued that way. There is no proper standard when such money is distributed. The President has instructed that Rs. 25,000 be given for cleaning a place only if a disaster has occurred. It cannot be given to everyone in the village or to political allies.
“Pradeshiya Sabha members, urban council members, and various divisional council leaders must immediately stop assuming authority and influencing officials. We strongly request the President to put an end to this interference.”
