Two officers at the Norwood Divisional Secretariat have been further remanded by courts until August 25 following allegations that they misappropriated approximately Rs. 16.2 million intended for Aswesuma welfare beneficiaries.

Two officials working in the Aswesuma section of the Norwood Divisional Secretariat have been remanded in custody until August 25 after being accused of diverting welfare funds meant for vulnerable citizens. Hatton Magistrate Peter Paul issued the order on August 11 following their court appearance. The two suspects, aged 31 and 32 and from the Hatton-Dickoya area, allegedly transferred the funds into bank accounts belonging to relatives and acquaintances rather than legitimate beneficiaries.

The investigation was initiated after a complaint from Norwood Divisional Secretary Sameera Gamlath was lodged with the Hatton Police Division's Special Investigation Unit. During court proceedings, the suspects' legal representatives indicated their clients were willing to accept responsibility and repay the funds, requesting bail consideration. However, police opposed the bail application, stating that a comprehensive audit report on the alleged irregularities had not yet been completed by the Divisional Secretariat.

Magistrate Paul emphasized that Aswesuma benefits are specifically designated for economically disadvantaged members of the public, and that officials administering such programs have no authority to misuse the funds. Authorities are also investigating whether additional officials were involved in the scheme. Separately, investigators are examining a senior District Secretariat official in Nuwara Eliya who is reportedly related to the two suspects and allegedly received a portion of the misappropriated funds. The District Secretary has temporarily suspended this official pending investigation completion.

Meanwhile, affected Aswesuma beneficiaries have been visiting the Norwood office seeking information about their delayed payments. Officials are documenting their account details and contact information while advising them that investigations are ongoing.