Aswesuma fraud losses near Rs. 30 m in Norwood

Monday, 21 September 2026 03:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Around 100 families affected, 20 State employees implicated across two DS divisions
10 employees dismissed; two arrested and remanded over 50 days

Investigators probing alleged fraud involving Aswesuma welfare payments at the Norwood Divisional Secretariat believe losses could approach Rs. 30 million.

Investigations have also uncovered allegations that State employees obtained welfare payments intended for low-income families using the details of deceased elderly persons.

Around 100 families are believed to have been affected, while 20 State employees have been identified as suspected of involvement in fraud at the Norwood and Talawakelle Divisional Secretariats. The suspected loss at Talawakelle is estimated at around Rs. 2 million.

The Welfare Benefits Board’s Audit Division has been examining the Norwood case for more than two months, with its final report yet to be submitted.

A total of 18 State employees linked to the Norwood case have been identified and action taken against them. 10, including four Norwood Divisional Secretariat employees and six teachers, have been dismissed. Two female State employees have been arrested under the Public Property Act and remanded for more than 50 days.