(Lanka-e-News -07.Feb.2025, 11.20 PM) In a significant move towards accountability, the government has announced that politicians who submitted false claims for property damages during the 2022 protests will be prosecuted under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023. This follows revelations that 43 Members of Parliament and Ministers received a combined total of over Rs. 122 million in compensation from the government, with allegations surfacing that many of these claims were grossly inflated.
The disclosure, made by Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa in Parliament, highlighted that some officials, including Divisional and District Secretaries, were pressured to overestimate the damages. The Minister emphasized that while the maximum allowable compensation for property damage—even in natural disasters—is Rs. 2.5 million, several politicians received far more, raising suspicions of corruption and misuse of power.
Among the highest claimants were prominent political figures, including Chamal Rajapaksa (Rs. 6.5 million), Keheliya Rambukwella (Rs. 9.5 million), and Johnston Fernando (Rs. 9.3 million). The Minister criticized how individuals in positions of power exploited the system for personal gain, using the unrest as an opportunity to enrich themselves.
Under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, individuals found guilty of submitting fraudulent claims could face severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from holding public office. Investigations are already underway, and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is expected to lead the inquiries.
Legal experts note that this marks a pivotal moment in the country’s fight against corruption, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of public funds. Public outrage has grown over the scandal, with many citizens demanding swift action and transparency in the legal proceedings.
As the investigations proceed, the government has vowed to recover misappropriated funds and hold all responsible parties accountable, reaffirming its commitment to restoring public trust and integrity in governance.
List of Politicians Who Received Government Compensation for Property Damages During the Struggle Revealed! 43 MPs and Ministers Took 122.41 Million Rupees!
1. Kapila Nuwan Athukorala – Rs. 504,000
2. Vimalawira Dissanayake – Rs. 550,000
3. Geetha Kumarasinghe – Rs. 972,000
4. Janaka Thissakuttiarachchi – Rs. 1,143,000
5. Gunapala Rathnasekara – Rs. 1,412,780
6. Premanath C. Dolawatta – Rs. 2,300,000
7. Priyankara Jayarathna – Rs. 2,348,000
8. Sampath Athukorala – Rs. 2,540,610
9. Jayantha Ketagoda – Rs. 2,814,800
10. Wimal Weerawansa – Rs. 2,954,000
11. Prof. Channa Jayasumana – Rs. 3,334,000
12. Akila Ellawala – Rs. 3,554,250
13. Chamal Rajapaksa – Rs. 6,539,374
14. Chandima Weerakkody – Rs. 6,948,800
15. Ashoka Priyantha – Rs. 7,295,000
16. Samanpriya Herath – Rs. 10,520,000
17. Janaka Bandara Tennakoon – Rs. 10,550,000
18. Rohitha Abeygunawardena – Rs. 11,640,000
19. Specialist Dr. Seetha Arambepola – Rs. 13,780,000
20. Sahan Pradeep – Rs. 17,130,000
21. Shehan Semasinghe – Rs. 18,510,000
22. Indika Anuruddha – Rs. 19,550,000
23. Milan Jayathilaka – Rs. 22,300,000
24. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana – Rs. 28,100,000
25. Duminda Dissanayake – Rs. 28,800,000
26. Kanaka Herath – Rs. 29,200,000
27. D.B. Herath – Rs. 32,100,000
28. Prasanna Ranawira – Rs. 32,700,000
29. W.D. Weerasinghe – Rs. 37,200,000
30. Shantha Bandara – Rs. 39,100,000
31. S.M. Chandrasena – Rs. 43,800,000
32. Sanath Nishantha – Rs. 42,700,000
33. Siripala Gamlath – Rs. 50,900,000
34. Arundika Fernando – Rs. 55,200,000
35. Sumith Udukumbura – Rs. 55,900,000
36. Prasanna Ranatunga – Rs. 56,100,000
37. Kokila Gunawardena – Rs. 58,700,000
38. Mohan P. de Silva – Rs. 60,100,000
39. Nimal Lanza – Rs. 69,200,000
40. Ali Sabry Raheem – Rs. 70,900,000
41. Gamini Lokuge – Rs. 74,900,000
42. Johnston Fernando – Rs. 93,400,000
43. Keheliya Rambukwella – Rs. 95,900,000
"These 43 individuals claimed compensation from the government, stating that their properties were damaged during the protests. Altogether, they have taken a total of Rs. 122,413,473."
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by (2025-02-07 20:25:17)
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