The President hinting at withholding funds before an election is not just unethical, it is an abuse of office, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said, calling out President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over his recent statement on the allocation of funds for Local Councils.
Taking to ‘X’, MP Premadasa said system change isn’t just a slogan to preach to others, pointing out that it also includes the system of negativity they have been breeding for decades.
“Not one corruption case was filed by the NPP while in Opposition, and no action taken so far in power against corruption. Talk is indeed cheap,” MP Premadasa added.
His comments come in response to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s statement during a political rally for the Local Government Councils, that he would easily allocate money to councils governed by the NPP and not to others.
While addressing a rally organised for the upcoming local government elections, the President said that approving funds for local councils under NPP control can be done instantly.
However, the same cannot be done for councils run by other parties, as they have been found to be corrupt in the past and require thorough consideration, he added.
The statement, which was made in view of the Local Government Elections scheduled for 06 May 2025, has caused an uproar, with several politicians raising concerns. (Newswire)