Distribution of cooked food parcels among those displaced by floods in Colombo metropolitan area was done in May this year was without calling for quotations from food suppliers the one man commission appointed by the Western Provincial Council to probe the affairs of the Colombo Municipal Council was told by a witness giving evidence before it.

Retired High Court Judge Chandradasa Nanayakkara the one man commission was hearing evidence from the Chief Clerk of the Council office H.R.Siripala.

The witness under cross examination of Attorney at Law Maithri Gunaratne said a large number of people were displaced due to floods caused by heavy rains in May and they were found temporary shelter in refugee centres.

When asked whether it was possible to call for quotations during an emergency like that it was not possible to do so. The council had decided to purchase cooked food parcels at the maximum cost of 65 rupees each.

Defence Attorney: The proposal to distribute food parcels was made by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner?

Witness: Yes. Food parcels were distributed among the council members and the leader of the opposition Vasudeva Nanayakkara was given 580 food parcels.

Chairman: If the 53 Municipal Councillors contributed money to buy food parcels it would have been an appropriate gesture. They should be able to help the displaced people.

Defence Attorney: Councillors are paid only a monthly allowance of Rs.7000. Was distribution of sewing machines and asbestos roofing sheets done with the approval of the Finance Committee? Is an allocation of 2 million rupees given to each councilor from the Decentralized Budget?