In the disaster situation, this government will never tolerate any irregularities, favoritism, or corruption in the distribution of relief assistance to the affected people in the Northern Province. This is the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected by the people to completely eradicate corruption and establish honest administration, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The Governor, who paid special attention to the various opinions, criticisms, and information circulating on social media regarding the recent distribution of relief assistance in the Jaffna District, issued a special clarification today.
He further stated in his statement:
In a democratic framework, we welcome the raising of questions about government activities and the vigilance of the public. However, it is the duty of every socially responsible person to avoid spreading false information and creating confusion among people already affected by the disaster.
I held detailed discussions with the Jaffna District Secretary regarding the distribution of relief assistance. The selection process is being carried out through Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, and other village-level officers strictly in accordance with the revised circulars issued by the government. There is no secrecy in this process. The list of eligible beneficiaries will be publicly displayed in the respective areas. The District Secretary has also confirmed this. Therefore, there is no possibility of any eligible person being excluded or any ineligible person being included.
Most importantly, the relief assistance for the people has not yet been deposited into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Claims of “irregularities having already occurred” that are being spread based on incomplete information before the funds are even deposited are baseless. Payments will only be made after the selection lists are made public, so the public need not panic or believe unnecessary rumors.
The primary objective of this government under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to eliminate the deep-rooted corruption that had festered within the state machinery. Therefore, there will be no room henceforth for despicable acts that profit from the tears of the people or for any irregularities.
There will be no compromise in taking severe legal and disciplinary action against any officer involved in relief work regardless of their position, if they commit wrongdoing, engage in corruption, or show favoritism.
If anyone has credible evidence of irregularities beyond the unverified information circulating on social media, they may bring it directly to my attention. Complaints supported by evidence will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.
The state machinery functions solely for the people. In this difficult time, let us set aside malice and unite with honesty and humanity to rehabilitate our people, the Governor of the Northern Province stated in his release.
