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Western Province PRDA deposited Rs. 453m in Pramuka

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

The Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA) of the Western Province has deposited over Rs.453 million in Pramuka Bank during the period from 1998 to 2000 with the approval of the then Board of Directors of the PRDA.

This was revealed at the Western Provincial Council meeting Tuesday following a question raised by the JVP council member Siripala Amarasinghe from Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray about the amount of fixed deposits lying to the credit of the PRDA at present.

Amarasinghe said this money has been deposited on the approval of the then Board of Directors of the PRDA. Information have also been revealed that Pramuka Bank has paid a one percent commission in respect of these deposits.

He said the Pramuka Bank has documents on these deposits and requested the Chief Minister to investigate this matter and find out the persons responsible for placing this huge amount of money at Pramuka Bank.

Opposition Leader Kithsiri Kahatapitiya and the opposition members requested a debate at the next council meeting regarding the misuse of these public funds and those who are responsible for this.

Luxman Abeygunaratne (UNP) said a group of officers of the Western Provincial Council have deposited this money at Pramuka Bank. Annually, they have obtained over Rs.4.5 million commission for these deposits.

He said the approval of the Provincial Minister is also required to deposit this money at the bank. These officials have misled even the Minister. Therefore, the Minister in charge during this period should be responsible in this regard. He also requested that a special investigation be conducted regarding this transaction. Replying to the question, Western Province Chief Minister Reginald Cooray said at present PRDA retains over Rs.541 million fixed deposits. Of this money, Rs.453 million has been deposited at the Pramuka Bank.

"However, no information has been found out so far regarding the commission obtained from these deposits. At present, the CID is conducting investigations and action will be taken against the officers who are involved in this exercise," the Chief Minister said.

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