Micro-finance companies swindled; Kotte MC urged to punish errant workers

Mirihana police have recorded statements of several employees of the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Municipal Council following complaints lodged by six-micro finance firms over a scam allegedly perpetrated by some of its workers.

Investigations have revealed that the suspects intervened on behalf of those who obtained small loans and got part of the money and advised them to throw away their SIMs to prevent lenders from contacting them.

Digital Alternative Lending Association which represents Zephyr Solutions, Fintech Software Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, Oncredit (Pvt) Ltd, CashX (AV Business Solutions Pvt Ltd), Fino.lk (SF Group Pvt Ltd) and Robo Cashlk Pvt Ltd said Mirihana police had acted swiftly once the financial scam was brought to their notice. “We expect the MC to take punitive action against its employees,” a spokesperson said.

Those who have taken loans with the help of MC workers with the intention of not paying them back were advised by the Mirihana police to settle the money, the spokesperson said.

Several millions of rupees have been defrauded in this manner and they were yet to begin making any significant recovery, the company spokesman said.

Those involved in the scam have been identified as MC workers.