The 2009 financial statements of the UPFA administered Sri Jayewardenepura-Kotte Municipal Council, which was the last to be audited and submitted to parliament by the Auditor General, has revealed that Rs. 578.6 million could not be satisfactorily accounted for.
National List UNP MP Harsha de Silva told The Island yesterday that when he had queried from the Auditor General H. A. Samaraweera about the 2009 SJK MC accounts, which were tabled in parliament in July 2011, the AG had replied that Rs. 578.6 million could not be satisfactorily vouched for, due to the non-rendition of the required information.
He said that the AG had further explained that where proper accounting procedures are followed it would be certified as “a true and fair view” and if there were “problems but acceptable” a qualified statement or a sort of disclaimer was issued.
Numerous malpractices had taken place at the SJK MC including the allocation of marshy land, meant for water retention, to contractors, who had built houses resulting in Sri Jayewardenepura- Kotte experiencing floods even during minor showers, De Silva alleged adding that there was a cloud even over the monies spent on maintenance and repairs to roads.
Meanwhile, De Silva who has effectively replaced Western Provincial Councillor Shiral Lakthillake, a Sajith Group loyalist, as the Kotte campaign manager, opened his office at 504 Pitakotte yesterday. Among those who were present on the occassion were Ravi Karunanayake, Wijedasa Rajapaksa and Nimal R. Peiris.
While urging all UNPers to unite in ensuring victory on October 8, De Silva said that he did not believe in factions and had done his level best to accommodate 26 of the best candidates, but was unable to speak on behalf of the Nomination Board.
The Island: