MP Dayasiri Jayasekera Denies Claims of Misusing President's Fund

Speaking to the media yesterday (December 20), MP Jayasekera clarified that the President’s Fund is accessible to both the public and politicians for financial aid. He confirmed that he received approximately Rs. 400,000 in 2019 for heart surgery approved by then-President Maithripala Sirisena.

Sharing hospital bills as proof, Jayasekera explained that he was admitted to Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital following a heart attack and underwent treatment for four days. He stated that only part of his medical expenses was covered by the Fund, with the remainder paid from his own pocket.

The MP criticized Minister Jayatissa for spreading false information and urged him to stop using the President’s Fund as a tool for political mudslinging. He also suggested that if it is deemed inappropriate for politicians to access the Fund, the government should revise the relevant regulations.

Jayasekera’s remarks follow Minister Jayatissa’s recent disclosure in Parliament, questioning large sums allocated to politicians from the Fund. While some payments were for medical purposes, the Minister raised concerns about the justifications behind such requests.