Candidates spending excessively to promote their candidacy: Rajapakshe

• Believes misuse of public funds and state property to promote presidential election candidates is going on unchecked

By Buddhika Kumarasiri   

Presidential election candidate Dr, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that candidates were spending excessively to promote their candidacy regardless of the Act to Regulate the Election Expenses and that he drew the attention of Senior DIG in charge of election affairs Asanga Karawita to look into this issue and to work out an effective mechanism to prevent that irregularity.  

He told the media yesterday at his election campaign office in Athurugiriya that he, as Minister of Justice, introduced regulations to change the corrupt practices during elections and the political culture based on it. He pointed out that legal action could be taken against any candidate resorting to malpractices and urges to remove him or her from their post, if elected.  

“It is a clear indication that the misuse of public funds and state property to promote presidential election candidates is going on unchecked. Public believe that money earned through foul means were being spent for the election campaign. I have requested the DIG in charge of election affairs to work out a mechanism with the help of election monitoring organizations,” 
he further said.