Former President Ranil Defends Presidential Fund's Medical Aid Allocations

He stated that, except for one case, no individual received financial assistance exceeding Rs. 1 million.

Key disbursements during this period include, Rs. 1 million for former Western Province Chief Minister E.A. Isura Devapriya Perera’s heart surgery at Nawaloka Hospital, Rs. 500,000 for former MP U. Sarath Kongahage’s heart surgery at Lanka Hospitals, Rs. 400,000 for former MP S.C. Muthukumarana to purchase hearing aids, Rs. 1 million for former MP S.A. Jagath Kumara’s heart surgery at Asiri Hospital.

Notably, veteran actress Malini Fonseka received Rs. 5 million for treatment at Apollo Hospital, Chennai. Wickremesinghe explained this was granted in recognition of her contributions to Sri Lankan arts and cinema, noting that other artists have also benefited from similar aid.

Over the last two years, the Presidential Fund provided over Rs. 100 million in financial aid for medical treatments, including assistance for children and critically ill patients, the statement added.