PUCSL staff gets tens of millions without Treasury approval

The power sector regulator, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), has paid more than Rs. 45 million to its staff under 11 allowances, contrary to recommendations from the Salaries and Cadre Commission and without obtaining prior approval from the Treasury, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

The NAO’s findings are included in the PUCSL’s Annual Performance Report for 2021. It was presented to Parliament this week.

According to the NAO, the PUCSL has paid Rs. 45,873,483 to its staff under these 11 allowances, none of which has been approved by the Treasury. A further Rs. 8.88 million has been paid without Treasury approval as transport allowances for staff during the year under review.

The regulator had also introduced a vehicle loan scheme for its permanent staff, amounting to a maximum of Rs. 5 million to be repaid in five years. No approval had been sought or obtained from the Treasury for this scheme. Two staff members had utilised the loan scheme for a total of Rs. 6.5 million, with the PUCSL reimbursing Rs. 248,088 to the banks as interest on these loans during the year under review.

A housing loan scheme for permanent staff at the PUCSL amounting to a maximum of Rs. 8 million to be repaid in 15 years had also not received Treasury approval. Eighteen staff members had utilised the loan for a combined amount of Rs. 78,140,610, with the regulator reimbursing interest totalling Rs. 3,157,723 to banks during the year under review.

The NAO has further found that fuel allowances paid for PUCSL officials who use official vehicles exceeded quotas approved by provisions of Public Enterprises Circulars.

Pukka Commission; this is looking after the public interest.