Sri Lanka, Jan. 30 -- A former Deputy Speaker is alleged to have received Rs.200,000 as compensation, claiming that his business establishment was damaged during the recent disaster.

This transpired during the Ratnapura District Coordinating Committee that met yesterday under the chairmanship of Parliamentarian Shantha Padmakumara at the District Secretariat.

The Chairman pointed out that compensation paid to the owners of small-scale businesses has been paid to the wrong individuals, whose business establishments had not suffered any damage.

"I handed over the cheques to several small-scale entrepreneurs. Former Deputy Speaker was among them. Officials have informed me that his business establishment was not affected by the disaster. ...