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

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Complaints have been received regarding the functioning and certain irregularities of the Co-operative Hospital, Gampaha, from members, employees and other parties—over 20 complaints to date (Annex 01, 02 tabled). (ii) No. Five complaints are under inquiry under Section 47(2) of the Western Province Co-operative Societies Statute and are at the final stage; authority has been delegated to inquire into additional complaints as per Annex 03 (Annexes 01–03 tabled). (iii) Authority has been delegated under Section 47(2) to conduct investigations into the matters cited. (iv) The maximum period for an investigation under the Statute is 18 months; however, efforts will be made to conclude as early as possible. (v) Under Section 48, for disciplinary offences, Directors can be disqualified from being elected to a management committee of any co-operative for seven years; for employees, disciplinary inquiries will be held; and if any financial loss is revealed, recovery proceedings will be instituted against those responsible under Section 58 and relevant recovery provisions.

¶ 03 (b) Not applicable.