Sri Lanka, May 17 -- Residents in several parts of Monaragala have accused several officials attached to the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat of allegedly engaging in fraudulent practices during the distribution of disaster compensation funds.

According to complaints, some officials are said to have demanded commission payments from beneficiaries in exchange for releasing disaster relief funds, while also allegedly coercing recipients into handing over portions of their compensation.

A local resident has made serious allegations against a disaster relief services officer, claiming that a commission of Rs. 100,000 was forcibly taken from her compensation payment.

She stated that she received a cheque worth Rs. 2 million and was later a...