The Lawyers for the Protection of Public Money have lodged a formal complaint with the Police Headquarters, targeting Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers accused of receiving financial assistance from the President’s Fund under questionable circumstances.
According to the lawyers, any MPs or Ministers who accessed the fund would have had to provide false information to do so, as the eligibility criteria for receiving such financial aid are explicitly stringent.
Per established regulations, recipients of the President’s Fund must submit certification from the Divisional Secretary, affirming that they are low-income earners. Furthermore, eligibility is contingent upon the total monthly income of the applicant, their spouse, and any unmarried children being less than Rs. 200,000.
Given these criteria, serious doubts have arisen about whether the MPs and Ministers who accessed the fund genuinely met the necessary qualifications.
The case of Mr. Keheliya Rambukwella, a high-profile figure, has drawn particular attention. Recently, the court ordered the freezing of a bank account under his name with deposits exceeding Rs. 200 million. Despite his significant wealth, Mr. Rambukwella reportedly received more than Rs. 1 crore from the President’s Fund.
The Lawyers for the Protection of Public Money argue that, as the President’s Fund is financed by public money, obtaining funds through false declarations constitutes an offense under the Public Property Act.
This development has sparked widespread concern, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight and accountability in managing public finances.
