New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake has accused the government of spending Rs. 7 million on the opening ceremony of the Clean Sri Lanka programme, claiming the funds were used without proper procedures.
Addressing Parliament today (9 January), he challenged the government to disprove his allegations, stating he would resign if proven false.
Dasanayake broke down the expenditures, alleging Rs. 200,000 for performances at the event, Rs. 800,000 for composing the theme song, Rs. 15,000 for those who ushered the guests, Rs. 2.1 million for the website, and a total of Rs. 7 million spent on those activities.
He also questioned the President’s Office for approving these expenses without following tender procedures. “Rs. 7 million have been spent improperly, including entertainment costs, without proper financial protocols. I think you (the NPP) have to pay that sum from your party accounts, not from the President’s Office because you haven’t followed proper fiscal protocols,” he accussed.
The MP claimed that establishing statutory funds, like a Clean Sri Lanka Fund, is prohibited by the Public Finance Management Act No. 44 of 2024. He promised to present all relevant figures and documents in the future to support his claims.
