The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People's Power (NPP) alleged that the recent appointments of former Parliamentarians Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara, whose Parliamentary seats were suspended by the Supreme Court recently, as Presidential advisors, are in direct violation of the Election laws.
During a press conference held yesterday (19), NPP Leader and Presidential candidate and Opposition MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated: "These appointments are a clear violation of the Election laws, especially in light of the recent circular issued by the Election Commission, which explicitly prevents new appointments during the Election period." He elaborated on his concerns, claiming that Fernando and Nanayakkara have been appointed as advisors to the very Ministries that they once headed. “This allows them to intervene in the activities of these Ministries and enjoy the same perks and privileges, such as vehicles and funds, which they had access to as Ministers,” he further claimed.
Dissanayake further alleged that the ruling United National Party (UNP) members are also benefiting from state resources. He pointed out that key UNP members, including Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Sagala Ratnayake, and Professor Ashu Marasinghe, have been appointed as advisors to the President, while Navin Dissanayake has been made a Provincial Governor. "President Wickremesinghe is also misusing public funds for his Election campaign which is also a violation of the Election laws," Dissanayake further claimed.
In addition, speaking further, he claimed that certain political parties and individuals are seeking to create insecurities within the public regarding the future under an NPP government. Dissanayake assured that a future NPP government would protect the cultural identity of every religion and would strengthen the country's cultural diversity that laid the foundation for a civilised nation. He made these remarks in response to certain allegations made by the Opposition that a future NPP government would stop certain cultural events.
The Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake was unavailable for comment.