Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila launched a scathing attack on the National People’s Power (NPP) yesterday, claiming that all 159 of its Members of Parliament would “have to book a ward at Welikada Prison in 2029” for misusing public funds.
Speaking at a press conference, Gammanpila alleged that the NPP’s practice of transferring parliamentary allowances to the party fund constitutes a non-bailable offence under the Public Property Act.
The controversy follows a parliamentary resolution proposed by MP Dayasiri Jayasekara seeking to prohibit MPs from sending allowances to party funds. Responding to criticism, NPP parliamentarians reportedly argued that there was nothing wrong in voluntarily donating their allowances to the party, as “Comrade Tilvin Silva” was ready to accept them.
However, the Speaker of Parliament clarified that while MPs are free to donate their basic salary of Rs 54,285 and attendance allowance, certain other allowances—earmarked for public service—cannot be diverted to a party fund.
Gammanpila, who said he was the first to reveal that such payments are illegal and had lodged a complaint with the Bribery Commission, detailed several instances of alleged misuse:
- Office Allowance (Rs 100,000): Meant for maintaining an office for public service, including rent, utilities, and furniture. Redirecting this to a party fund, he said, deprives constituents of an accessible service centre.
- Fuel Allowance (Rs 100,000): Intended for travel to identify and resolve public issues. Donating it to the party fund, he argued, prevents MPs from visiting their electorates and serving the public.
- Telephone Allowance (Rs 5,000): Provided to maintain communication channels for official duties. Without it, MPs cannot promptly contact officials to address constituents’ problems.
- Transport Allowance (Rs 15,000): Allocated for staff travel during official work. Gammanpila said the diversion of this fund makes it harder for staff to investigate local issues such as unauthorized construction or infrastructure damage.
He stressed that diverting public funds meant for specific purposes amounts to misappropriation of public property, an offence under the Public Property Act for which bail cannot be granted.
“A complaint has already been lodged with the Bribery Commission,” Gammanpila said, adding that while legal action might not be taken immediately, “it is certain that all 159 Malima MPs will have to reserve a ward at Welikada Prison after 2029.”
