The Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance has decided to withdraw from the payment process of the Rs. 500,000 allowance granted by the government to households partially damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, effective today (19).
Co-Chairman of the Alliance, Nandana Ranasinghe, stated that the decision was taken due to shortcomings identified in the circular issued regarding the disbursement of the allowance.
Mr. Ranasinghe further noted that while the government has taken steps to implement the payment process in a formal manner, the existing circular contains serious deficiencies that hinder proper execution.
The government had earlier decided to provide an allowance of Rs. 500,000 to households that suffered partial damage as a result of Cyclone Ditwah. However, the Divisional Secretary and Assistant Divisional Secretaries Association, along with the Government Accountants Association, withdrew from the payment process, citing significant shortcomings in the relevant circular.
Following their withdrawal, responsibility for disbursing the allowance was assigned to Grama Niladharis. The Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance has now announced that it too will withdraw from the payment process with effect from today.
In addition, the Alliance has alleged that officers engaged in disaster-related duties are not being provided with adequate allowances.
