Rs. 68 Mn worth loans taken from SMIB using forged documents – COPE

 The COPE committee observed that in 2017, 47 people were involved in preparing fake documents and submitting fake information, and obtained Rs. 68 million worth of loans from the State Mortgage & Investment Bank.

The officials present in COPE said that cases have been filed against the persons identified as debtors and that the CID is still investigating the matter.

Disciplinary inquiries against the staff in particular to this matter is in process and disciplinary action against those whose investigations have been completed has already been taken, the officials further said.

The officials also stated that two external parties related to the said matter have been arrested by the CID and one of them has passed away.

It was also stated that prompt action has been taken to obtain these loans, especially after the appointment of the new Chairman and the Board of Directors.

Accordingly, the COPE Chairman instructed the officials present to carry out the measures properly.

The aforesaid matter was taken into discussion during the Committee meeting held on Wednesday (23) on Public Enterprises (COPE) chaired by Prof. Charitha Herath to examine the Auditor General’s reports and current performance of the State Mortgage and Investment Bank for the financial years 2017 and 2018.

The focus was directed towards increasing home loans during the said years whilst the committee members present were of the view that the number of loans provided for industries and agriculture should be increased.

They also pointed out that this should be considered a need of the State Mortgage & Investment Bank in particular.

Officials who were present at the committee meeting said that loans are already being given to small businesses with a focus on the stated.

The current vacancies at the bank were also taken into discussion. Officials said that steps have already been taken to fill several vacancies in the executive ranks and that some suitable candidates are not applying for vacancies in the executive ranks and some leave shortly after receiving appointments. If remuneration for those posts is not sufficient, the COPE Chairman instructed to make the necessary amendments for the purpose of filling the vacancies.

There was also a discussion on the presence of the State Mortgage & Investment Bank in a building that has been leased for about 30 years.

The activities to set up an automated banking system were also discussed.