Information regarding the disappearance of paddy stock was reported in the four warehouses belonging to the Paddy Marketing Board in Polgahawela, Anamaduwa, Nikaveratiya and Maho in Kurunegala district.
This incident took place in the years 2021-22 and the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, advised the chairman, Mr. Buddhika Iddamalgoda, to start an investigation immediately.
Accordingly, through the investigation conducted in the past, information has been revealed that 9,71050 kilograms of paddy has gone missing in those four warehouses.
The total value of this paddy stock is close to 100 million rupees.
The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera said today (07) that steps have been taken to suspend 05 officials accused of this fraud.
The relevant investigation report was handed over by the Chairman Mr. Buddhika Iddamalgoda to Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.
Currently, three further investigations are being conducted in this regard and an internal audit investigation, a preliminary investigation and the Criminal Investigation Department have also started investigations.
The Criminal Investigation Department will further investigate whether only the suspended officers are involved in this crime and whether other persons or a network of persons are involved.
The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, today (07) advised the chairman, Mr. Buddhika Iddamalgoda, to find out whether the paddy stocks owned by the Paddy Marketing Board have been fraudulently misused in other warehouses in the island.
