COPA Uncovers Backlog in EPF Cases

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) revealed that around 15,000 cases are pending against institutions failing to pay Employees Provident Funds (EPF).

As of December 31, 2021, nearly 5,000 of these cases had become inactive.

Factors such as defunct institutions at registered addresses or the departure of company directors abroad were cited as contributing to the case backlog.

This information came to light during a COPA meeting in Parliament to examine the Auditor General's reports and the Department of Labour's performance for 2021 and 2022.

COPA has directed relevant officials to submit a comprehensive report detailing employers who have defaulted on EPF payments across all districts.

COPA also addressed concerns about lengthy application processing times due to incomplete applicant information when claiming welfare funds.