Former North Central Province Governor Mahipala Herath has repaid Rs 1.17 million to the Provincial Council for excess fuel obtained in violation of government circulars and regulations. Aruna Ravi, Deputy Chief Secretary (Finance) of the North Central Province, confirmed that the entire amount has been credited back in cash to the Provincial Council Fund.
The settlement was made following an official notice issued in the wake of an investigation conducted by the National Audit Office.
Key Points
- The payment was made for 11,320 litres of fuel obtained between April 2020 and June 2021.
- The sum was credited to the Provincial Council Fund following a National Audit Office investigation.
- Taking disciplinary action against the officials who approved the release has become an issue as they have already retired.
Fuel transaction uncovered by audit
The excess fuel consumption had taken place between April 2020 and June 2021. During this period, the Auditor General's Department revealed that the former Governor had drawn additional fuel contrary to government directives.
Based on the audit query, an internal inquiry conducted by the North Central Provincial Council recommended that the financial loss incurred by the state be recovered from him.
What happens to the officials who gave approval?
Although the money has been recovered from the former Governor, no action has been taken so far against the officers who authorised the release of fuel in violation of regulations. The National Audit Office had strongly recommended that immediate disciplinary inquiries be conducted against them.
However, the Deputy Chief Secretary stated that taking disciplinary action has proved problematic, as the officials who approved the release have already retired from public service, thereby limiting action that can be taken under the Establishments Code.
