Leader of the opposition of the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) S.Thavarajah has reported to the Auditor General that the Northern Provincial Council has been flouting the Financial Regulations in the Financial Management of the NPC.

In his letter to the Auditor General dated 01.12.2015 he has stated as follows-

The NPC entered into an agreement with Joule Power and Beta Power to set up a wind farm in Palai. In the year 2014 these companies have supplied 06 Nos. water bowsers to NPC as gratis under Corporate Social Responsibilities to the value of Rs. 20 million.

This year the money granted by these companies amounting to Rs. 20 million, has been kept in a separate account in the name of the Chief Secretary without being credited to the Provincial Treasury’s Account and appropriation approved by the council.

When this matter was raised in the Council, the Chief Minister replied that it is being held in a separate account.

It has been further pointed out in the letter that handling of the Provincial Income without crediting it to the Provincial Treasury and the appropriation without council approval flouts the Financial Regulations.

This was repeatedly pointed out by the Leader of Opposition during debates in the council.

During the course of a debate in the council on this matter on 01.09.2015, the Chief Minister has admitted that this sum is being kept in a separate account in the name of the Chief Secretary.

It should be noted that operating accounts without the knowledge of the council will lead to fraudulent activities.

Media Unit
Leader of Opposition
Northern Provincial Council