Attorney-at-law and Member of Parliament, Wasantha Yapabandara, has filed three complaints with the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission. The complaints pertain to the smuggling of sand in Muthur Safinagar, the misappropriation of state property at Kandy’s Ambulluwawa, and the illicit granting of bar licenses to MPs for nationwide bars during an election season.
Speaking on the matter, MP Wasantha Yapa emphasized the gravity of the issues. He highlighted serious irregularities uncovered in audit reports concerning the Ambuluawa Biodiversity Center, urging investigations into alleged financial misconduct amounting to millions. Moreover, he expressed concern over the failure of the Biodiversity Center to transfer over 95 hectares of land to the Wildlife Department and the precarious condition of six bridges jeopardized by illegal sand smuggling in Trincomalee’s Muthur Safinagar.
Yapabandara condemned the reinstatement of individuals involved in sand smuggling and called for a thorough investigation by the Bribery Commission. He criticized the manipulation of power by certain factions, denouncing their attempts to sway public opinion through election offices. Asserting the unity of the opposition, he vowed not to align with groups lacking popular support.
Addressing internal party conflicts, Yapabandara stressed the formation of a robust opposition alliance representing 6.9 million people. He called for accountability for individuals like Diana Gamage, accusing her of deceiving both parliament and the judiciary. Despite internal challenges, he affirmed the alliance’s commitment to building a formidable public force and dismissed the prospect of a return to power for the Rajapaksas, branding their supporters as cowardly.
