Use of aircraft for Presidential campaigns only on payment basis: SLAF clarifies

17 September 2024 11:49 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 15 Bookmark

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Colombo, September 17 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has clarified that it provides aircraft for Presidential candidates' campaigns only on a payment basis, in line with standard procedures.

This statement comes in response to media reports alleging the misuse of SLAF aircraft for election campaigning.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) recently voiced significant concern over the misuse of public resources during the Presidential Election 2024. They alleged that SLAF aircraft have been utilized for campaigning purposes by presidential candidates.

SLAF spokesman Group Captain Eranda Geeganage said that several leading Presidential candidates have used SLAF aircraft, but only after making the payments with the approval of the Ministry of Defence.

Comments - 15

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:11 PM

SL is going through a serious financial crisis and yet RW thinks it is ok to waste colossal taxpayer funds on helicopter transport to political rallies.

10 44

Mizaru Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:16 PM

Please provide the payment details such as invoices and bank receipts if any available. Anyway all these shady services will be probed by the NPP government and all responsible brought to book.

5 49

Dilakshan Seneviratne Tuesday, 17 September 2024 05:48 PM

I don’t think NPP government will get involved. When SLAF budgets are looked at, Treasury must look for accountability from SLAF, as they use tax payer money. SLAF must take action against those who owe them for services provided. NPP government will have many more important things to do other than chasing rogues, abusers of power, and other miscreants. Setting up good systems and processes takes priority IMO.

0 4

Hard Truth Tuesday, 17 September 2024 07:55 PM

The only way to get these information only throuh RTI.

0 4

Kirihāmi Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:20 PM

As citizens, we'd like to see the documented, time-stamped proof as the SLAF is run by public money. Please publish them somewhere people of this country can see.

2 47

Sen Rajapaksha Tuesday, 17 September 2024 12:53 PM

So you can show the invoices to the public?

2 35

Mkaka Tuesday, 17 September 2024 01:19 PM

No more campaign. Chapter over.

4 26

roobarbie Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:34 PM

Have they paid cash, or if not you accepted a promissory notice. The latter has no value: if he wins he will write off the promissory notice. If he loses, he will run away to a foreign land. Why dont you provide helicopter facilities to other candidates? Bias and corrupt system is operated by SLAF. Hope NPP will put a stop to this.

4 32

Truth Tuesday, 17 September 2024 02:59 PM

Was it the case during MR regime?

1 27

Ram P Tuesday, 17 September 2024 03:12 PM

How much has Ranil paid for using the Helicopters for his election work. Please provide details of the number of trips and the payments received

1 33

SP Wednesday, 18 September 2024 03:52 AM

Why only Ranil? All candidates must do that if they got the same services. Leaders will have to travel long distances and it’s not practically possible do that overland. These comments show how warped their attitudes are. When the NPP spends other’s money they don’t have to show where that comes from but when Ranil does it it’s a crime!

1 2

Wiseman Tuesday, 17 September 2024 05:34 PM

SLAF is not a transportation service provider. they are supposed to use the aircrafts for civil defence. There are commercial helicopters and aircraft service providers the politicians need to use for their campaign travel. I'm sure these trips are not paid for and with a promise to pay later. Eventually settled with tax payers money.

1 8

Latha Tuesday, 17 September 2024 09:14 PM

Somebody may pay later like that light bila.

0 8

M Fernando Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:54 PM

We can hope that a generous minister will step up to pay the bill like someone did for a Rajapakse electricity bill, not so long ago !

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Buddhist Wednesday, 18 September 2024 06:33 AM

The Election Commission must evaluate the following without fail: 1. Actual payments made by politicians, including the President, who used the aircraft/helicopter service after the election was declared. 2. If these payments are as per expected costs, that's usually charged, or if any particular concession was given to any politician. 3. Were these expenses correctly accounted for as election expenses by the political party? 4. Where did the political party receive all the funds the politicians used?

0 1

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