Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take action over allegations concerning the Presidential Secretary, saying it would demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a public meeting in Kuliyapitiya on Saturday, Rajapaksa said the President had repeatedly spoken about combating corruption and should now show that commitment in practice.
“The President speaks about catching thieves and ensuring honesty. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment. We are waiting to see what action will be taken regarding the allegations concerning the Presidential Secretary,” he said, according to Daily Mirror.
The report did not specify what the allegations are, and Rajapaksa did not set them out in the remarks quoted. No investigation, finding or official response has been reported. The post of Secretary to the President is held by Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Broader criticism of the government
Rajapaksa used the meeting to question the government’s progress on promises made to farmers, graduates and young people during the election campaign. He said farmers were struggling with low paddy prices while consumers faced high rice prices — the two ends of the same market moving against both groups.
He also raised the tax burden on the public and rising electricity and fuel costs, arguing that businesses, and young entrepreneurs in particular, were finding it harder to operate.
On alleged security and cyber incidents involving state institutions, Rajapaksa called for proper investigations to identify those responsible.
He rejected suggestions that the Opposition was behind incidents involving containers at the Port of Colombo, arguing that it had no authority to influence port operations.
“The government should set aside confrontation and focus on working for the people. The public expects solutions to their problems, not further political disputes,” he said.
Context
The remarks come a day after Rajapaksa spent Friday at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division recording a statement in response to a summons. NewsFirst reported that inquiry concerned the purchase of the Tangalle Bay Hotel using funds obtained from Channel CSN; no charges have been reported against him.
At the time of publication on Saturday night, no other verified newsroom had carried Rajapaksa’s Kuliyapitiya remarks.
