Witness reveals Housing Authority exceeded staff quota by 95 percent

The National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) recruited unauthorized staff exceeding its quota of staff by 95 percent, a witness told the Presidential Commission probing state sector corruption today (Aug 28).

Former administrative officer L.H.T. Priya Perera said that the Authority had recruited more than 4,500 employees for its Head Office and district offices although the maximum number of staff stands at 2,164.

These appointments had been granted without receiving approval from the Management Services Department of the Ministry of Finance, she said.

The witness added that 1400 individuals were recruited to the Hambantota district office despite being allowed a maximum of only 77 employees.

Further, she pointed out that 31 employees above the age of 60 had been recruited without seeking cabinet approval although such appointments must be approved by the cabinet of ministers.

The witness also told investigators that promotions and salary increments too had been granted in violation of state circulars.