President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said allegations of political revenge and appeals for public sympathy would not deter the Government from pursuing legal action against those accused of corruption and misappropriating public funds.
Addressing the “People’s Rule – Two Years Strong – Progress for All” farmers’ rally in Polonnaruwa, he said the Government had no personal grievances against anyone but had a responsibility to hold accountable those who had damaged the country through corruption.
“What do they say when corrupt individuals are caught? They claim it is political revenge. Why would we seek revenge? We have no land disputes or personal arguments with anyone. However, we do have a case to settle and that is the case of bringing to justice the corrupt individuals who destroyed this country,” he said.
Dissanayake said emotional appeals by those facing legal action and their families would not influence the Government’s position.
“Fathers should have told their sons not to steal while the theft was happening. Shedding tears only after they are caught is useless. We will not fall for those tears, nor will we allow sympathy to override the law,” he said.
He said the law must apply equally, regardless of an individual’s family background or relationship to others facing allegations.
“The law applies equally to a grandmother, a mother, a brother, or an uncle. If family members commit theft, they get caught together—what can we do?” he said.
The President said the Government wanted to establish that anyone who misappropriated public wealth would eventually be held accountable.
“We are doing this to set an example to the people of our country, proving that anyone who touches even a single cent of public wealth will face punishment one day,” he said.
Rejecting allegations that the Government was acting out of hatred toward political opponents, he added: “We harbor no hatred toward anyone. What we hold is a vision to rebuild this country.”
Dissanayake said voters had entrusted the Government with eliminating corruption, restoring the rule of law, developing the economy and creating a better future for their children. Those goals, he said, required action against wrongdoing.
“Stopping theft, putting an end to corruption, and making the law fair and civilized for everyone are vital parts of nation-building,” he said.
