An ongoing investigation into alleged fraud involving Aswesuma welfare payments at the Norwood Divisional Secretariat has estimated that financial losses could approach Rs.30 million.
Reporting based on information connected with the investigation says State employees allegedly used personal details belonging to deceased elderly people to obtain welfare payments intended for low-income households.
Around 100 families are believed to have been affected.
Twenty State employees have reportedly been identified as suspected of involvement across the Norwood and Talawakelle Divisional Secretariats.
The suspected loss associated with Talawakelle has separately been estimated at around Rs.2 million.
Information obtained under the Right to Information Act reportedly indicates that action has been taken against 18 State employees connected with the Norwood investigation.
Ten people — including four employees attached to the Norwood Divisional Secretariat and six teachers — have reportedly been dismissed from service.
Two female State employees were also arrested under the Public Property Act and have remained in remand custody, according to current reporting.
Investigation remains incomplete
The Audit Division of the Welfare Benefits Board has been examining the Norwood case for more than two months.
Its final audit report has not yet been submitted.
Therefore:
- Rs.30 million remains an estimated potential loss;
- allegations against individuals remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings;
- do not state that those identified as suspects have been convicted;
- do not describe this as Sri Lanka's "largest Aswesuma fraud" as an established fact unless the Welfare Benefits Board or another authoritative source formally confirms that comparison.
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