January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance has announced its withdrawal from the government’s Rs. 5 million grant disbursement programme for homes partially damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, with the decision taking effect from today (19).
Alliance Co-Chairman Nandana Ranasinghe explained that the move comes in response to flaws identified in the official circular outlining the payment procedure. He stressed that the government must take steps to ensure that the relief distribution is conducted in a transparent and organised manner.
Earlier, the government had earmarked Rs. 5 million in financial aid for households affected by partial damage during the cyclone. The task of distributing the funds was first assigned to the Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries, as well as the Association of Government Accountants, but both groups withdrew, citing significant procedural shortcomings. Responsibility was then transferred to Grama Niladhari officers.
The Trade Union Alliance has now confirmed that it will also refrain from handling the disbursements, citing not only procedural issues but also a lack of adequate compensation for officers involved in disaster-related duties.
