The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society on sunday alleged that Social Services Minister Milroy Fernando and Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva along with a band of thugs had broken into the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society headquarters on January 24 and suspended a number of workers.

A statement issued by Red Cross General Secretary M. D. Sumanadasa stated that this was a blatant violation of Red Cross principles and its philosophy while being an insult on the whole movement.

"The scandal began with the appointment of a committee by the former Minister of Social Services Sumedha G. Jayasena to investigate the alleged corruption charges against the former Red Cross administration under the Voluntary Organisations Registration Act. On the recommendations of this committee an interim administrative board was appointed for six months. However, the present minister through a special Gazette notification dissolved the Interim Board."

The Interim Board obtained an injunction order from the Appeal Court to prevent further abuse and exploitation of Red Cross resources. The Interim Board again resumed work following the order of the Appeal Court. The Interim Board according to the Red Cross Society constitution held its Annual General Meeting at the S. de S. Jayasinghe Hall and officials were elected. This new Board of Administration held their first meeting on January 21 at the Red Cross headquarters.

Meanwhile the injunction order expired on January 24.