-By Investigative Reporting Team
(Lanka-e-News -02.Sep.2024, 9.30 pm) New allegations have surfaced regarding the funding of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa's education in the United Kingdom during the mid-1980s. Investigative reporters have uncovered claims that a significant portion of the money used to pay for his schooling at Mill Hill School and later at the London School of Economics (LSE) was allegedly misappropriated from Sri Lankan taxpayers.
Sajith Premadasa, son of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, reportedly traveled to the UK in 1984 to attend Mill Hill School, where he studied until 1987 or 1988. Following this, he pursued higher education at the prestigious London School of Economics, where he obtained his degree in 1991. The investigative team has raised questions about the source of funding for these educational expenses, which are now believed to have been drawn from state resources rather than personal funds.
At the center of these allegations is the claim that funds from the Sevana Lottery, a state-run initiative, were diverted to pay for Premadasa's education. Critics argue that the money, which was intended for public welfare, was instead used for personal gain, casting a shadow over Sajith Premadasa's political career. Additionally, reports suggest that financial contributions were also received from prominent businessmen, including the owner of Navaloka and Alhaj Buharudeen , the owner of Fair Line Apparels, further fueling concerns about the ethical implications of such funding.
The allegations come at a time when Sri Lanka is grappling with severe economic challenges, with many citizens recalling the hardships of the 1980s and 1990s, when basic educational materials were scarce, and rural schools were under-resourced. The situation is further compounded by memories of then-President Ranasinghe Premadasa's public acknowledgment of the struggles faced by students, particularly his initiative to provide a free cup of milk to schoolchildren to combat malnutrition.
Critics argue that if the allegations are true, they severely undermine Sajith Premadasa's credibility, especially given his current stance on transparency and accountability. In recent election campaigns, Sajith and his party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), have emphasized their commitment to curbing corruption and improving the nation's economic situation. However, these new revelations could cast doubt on these claims, particularly in light of the opposition leader's background.
The investigative team has called on Sajith Premadasa to clarify the sources of funding for his education and to address the growing concerns about whether taxpayer money was used inappropriately. If it is proven that public funds were indeed diverted for his education, critics insist that he should publicly apologize to the nation.
As these allegations continue to circulate, the public awaits a response from Sajith Premadasa, who now faces intense scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding his education. In a country where many still struggle with the aftermath of decades of economic hardship, the question of how public funds were utilized remains a critical issue, and one that could shape the political landscape in the coming months.
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by (2024-09-02 16:21:09)
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