The Samurdhi Employees' Trade Union Federation has lodged a complaint with Sri Lanka's anti-corruption commission alleging financial irregularities and mismanagement during former Minister Daya Gamage's tenure, including approximately Rs. 100 million in unaccounted funds.

The Samurdhi Employees' Trade Union Federation has submitted a formal complaint to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption regarding alleged irregularities within the Samurdhi Department during the 2019 tenure of former Minister Daya Gamage under then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government.

According to the union's chairman Somasiri Liyanage, the complaint centers on several contested issues including allegedly unlawful permanent appointments granted to positions such as computer assistants and support staff, contrary to established procedures. The union claims such appointments granted permanent status and pension entitlements through what it characterizes as ministerial-level instructions. Additionally, the complaint alleges that beneficiary selection processes were influenced by political affiliations and personal connections rather than merit-based criteria.

The financial allegations are substantial. The union claims approximately Rs. 100 million from the Samurdhi Department's microfinance division remains unaccounted for, while an additional Rs. 135 million was obtained from the Social Security Fund. According to Liyanage, recovery attempts resulted in deductions from benefits intended for low-income Samurdhi recipients rather than accountability from those responsible. The complaint further alleges that departmental funds were utilized to finance activities connected to a national-level event organized during the period, which the union contends served political promotional purposes.

The Samurdhi Employees' Trade Union Federation has requested a comprehensive investigation into these allegations of financial irregularities and potential fraud involving the management of public funds during the specified period.