Abuse of President’ Fund: Dayasiri vows to reveal JVPers who sought assistance from it before 2010

• Says there are some who sought financial assistance for medical treatment of their spouses

By Yohan Perera

Adding further controversy to the misuse of the President’s Fund, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera yesterday said some of its members also sought assistance from the President’s funds prior to 2010, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera alleged yesterday. 

“The present government only revealed details on ministers and MPs who sought assistance from the President’s Fund after 2010. However, they failed to reveal details on politicians who sought assistance from it prior to 2010. I can clearly state that a few of the 39 MPs who represented Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in 2004 have also sought assistance from the President’s Fund. I will reveal all the details soon,” Mr. Jayasekera told Daily Mirror.

“There are some who sought financial assistance from the President’s Fund for medical treatment of their spouses who were suffering from diseases like cancer,” he added. “I never requested assistance from the President’s fund but it was former President Maithripala Sirisena who took a decision to assist me with my heart surgery,” he recalled.

“I can reveal many things if the ruling party continues to sling mud at us,” he also said.

It was revealed last week by Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa that more than 30 former Ministers and MPs have sought assistance from the President’s Fund during the past years.