Millions given from President’s Fund to Politicians

Government Reveals Payments from President's Fund to Politicians from 2005 to 2024

The minister presented a list of names, many of which were immediately identifiable, while others required clarification.

 Among the names disclosed were P. Harrison, Piyasena Gamage, Sumedha Jayasena, Manoj Sirisena, P. Dayaratne, S.C. Muthukumarana, Vasudewa Nanayakkara, Sarath Amunugama, and S.B. Nawinna, all of whom had received allocations from the President's Fund.

Minister Jayathissa highlighted some intriguing details about names that were initially difficult to recognize. One such case involved the name "J.P.D.P.K. Jayasekara," which he confirmed referred to former MP J.P. Dayasiri Padmakumara Jayasekara. Another name that raised questions was "H.M.P.N. De Silva," identified as the same person as Piyal Nishantha De Silva from the Kalutara district. 

Further clarification was provided for other individuals, such as S.A.D.S. Premajayantha, identified as Susil Premajayantha, and E.A.I.D.D. Perera, revealed to be former Western Province Chief Minister Isura Devapriya.

The government also released a breakdown of the amounts granted to several politicians. Among the recipients were:

S.A. Jagath Kumara - Rs. 1 million

K.P.S. Kumarasiri - Rs. 953,430

Jayalath Jayawardena - Rs. 1 million

Namal Gunawardena - Rs. 1 million

Dharmadasa Banda - Rs. 1 million

Vidura Wickramanayake - Rs. 1.5 million

Wimalaweera Dissanayake - Rs. 3 million

Lucky Jayawardena - Rs. 1.6 million

P. Chandrasekaran - Rs. 1.4 million

John Amaratunga - Rs. 4 million

Joseph Michael Perera - Rs. 2.7 million

T.B. Ekanayake - Rs. 4.8 million

W.M.S. Fonseka - Rs. 5.5 million

Jayantha Weerasinghe - Rs. 9 million

Alek Aluwihare - Rs. 2.2 million

Ranjith Aluwihare - Rs. 860,000

Rajitha Senaratne - Rs. 10 million

Keheliya Rambukwella - Rs. 11 million

M.K.A.D.S. Gunawardena - Rs. 12 million

Ranjith Zoysa - Rs. 18.8 million

D.M. Jayaratne - Rs. 30 million

The release of this information has sparked public debate about the allocation of funds, with many questioning the criteria used for granting such payments.

 Some politicians, including those listed, have defended the allocations as part of government initiatives, while others have called for further scrutiny into the transparency and fairness of the process.

This revelation underscores the ongoing importance of ensuring transparency in government financial activities and the need for clear, accountable processes in the distribution of public funds.