The Hon. Upali Samarasingha - Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, I table the answer.

¶ 02 Answer tabled:

¶ 03 (a) (i) Based on matters stated in a members’ complaint letter regarding the activities of the Society, an inquiry under Section 46(1) of the Co-operative Societies Statute No. 10 of 1990 as amended by the Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Statute No. 4 of 1993 of the Central Province is being conducted by the Central Province Commissioner/Registrar of Co-operative Development. (ii) Upon conclusion of the Section 46(1) inquiry, any frauds/irregularities will be revealed if present. A special audit by the Provincial Co-operative Department has already found that, contrary to Rule 22(1) of the 1973 Co-operative Rules, goods worth Rs. 885,703 were distributed to 91 delegates of the General Assembly without due approvals; surcharge certificates have been issued to former Directors to recover the sum from those responsible. A writ application CA/WRIT/966/2025 has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking a writ of certiorari to quash further action on the surcharge certificates and an interim order to stay recovery until then. (iii) Actions available include: 1. Action under the State Property (Recovery of Misuse) law of 1982. 2. Arbitration under Section 58 of the Central Province Co-operative Societies Statute and, if sums are not paid per award, reference to the High Court under Section 59 for recovery. 3. Recourse to surcharge proceedings under the Central Province Statute for recovery. 4. If the Section 46(1) inquiry confirms sums recoverable from any Director, removal from office. 5. Disciplinary action against employees under the Central Province Public Service Commission Statute and regulations, if disciplinary offences are revealed.

¶ 04 (b) Not applicable.