LECO under investigation

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Power and Energy Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne yesterday directed the recently appointed five- member committee to submit a comprehensive report within 14 days in regard to financial frauds running to millions of rupees alleged to have been committed by Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) during the past several years.

The Minister took this action following a news item appeared in a weekend newspaper to the effect that the LECO had purchased lands and vehicles by spending a colossal sum of its money. The five member committee, headed by former Lands Ministry Secretary and Senior Advisor S.A. Pathirana comprises Power and Energy Ministry Additional Secretary M.I.M. Rafeek, former Lands and Urban Development Ministry Director E.M.N. Dorakumbura, CEB, Deputy Chairman K.A. Ranaweera and CEB Chief Internal Auditor J.H.P. Banduthilaka. Minister Seneviratne yesterday told the Sunday Observer that as a responsible Minister he took prompt action to investigate the matter and would expose any financial irregularities whatsoever to the Government and the general public.

The LECO which is a subsidiary of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was established in 1983 in order to carry out maintenance and power distribution work in the Western and Southern Provinces.

According to the newspaper report, the LECO had purchased new lands at Nugegoda, Nuwara Eliya, Gothatuwa and Wattala. A building at Kalutara has also been purchased by LECO without following the existing rules, procedures, or guidelines.