The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) management has taken steps to suspend 07 officials, including the Chief Regional Manager of the Colombo Region, over an alleged financial fraud involving the sale of 78,000 litres of fuel to outside parties through the Maharagama Depot during the fuel crisis.
According to SLTB sources, those suspended include the Chief Regional Engineer of the Colombo Region, the Chief Regional Manager (Finance), the SLTB Fuel Controller, the Maharagama Depot Manager, the Assistant Operations Manager of the Maharagama Depot, the Fuel Clerk and the Assistant Manager (Engineering).
During the fuel crisis in 2022, the then Government took steps to distribute fuel through SLTB depots to maintain essential and public transport services.
Although 78,000 litres of diesel from the fuel stocks supplied to the Maharagama Depot were issued, the corresponding payments were not received by the SLTB.
Several complaints have also been received alleging that the fraud was carried out with the knowledge of officials at the Maharagama Depot.
The SLTB head office conducted an investigation into the matter, following which it was recommended that all 07 suspended officials were responsible for the incident.
Accordingly, a new manager has been appointed to the Maharagama Depot, while the Regional Operations Manager has been appointed to act as the Chief Regional Manager of the Colombo Region.