Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Namal Rajapaksa has challenged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take action on allegations against Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, framing it as a test of the Government's commitment to transparency.
Opposition politician Namal Rajapaksa has publicly urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to investigate allegations against Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake as a demonstration of the Government's anti-corruption stance. Speaking at a gathering in Kuliyapitiya on August 22, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organiser argued that the President's stated commitment to fighting corruption would be tested by how these matters are handled.
The allegations concerning the Presidential Secretary relate to his previous work at Sri Lanka Customs and were brought to light by fellow SLPP MP D.V. Chanaka. Rajapaksa emphasized that the Government has repeatedly made public statements about combating corruption and accountability, and suggested that addressing these allegations would provide a concrete opportunity to validate such commitments.
Beyond the allegations against the Presidential Secretary, Rajapaksa leveled broader criticisms at the Government's performance since taking office. He contended that election promises to farmers, graduates, and young people remain unfulfilled, pointing to difficulties in the agricultural sector where paddy prices have fallen while rice prices remain elevated for consumers. He also raised concerns about the mounting tax burden and escalating costs of electricity and fuel, claiming these factors are making it increasingly difficult for young entrepreneurs to sustain their businesses.
Rajapaksa called for transparent investigations into alleged security and cyber incidents affecting state institutions, insisting that those responsible be held accountable. He further distanced the Opposition from incidents involving containers at the Port of Colombo, stating that the Opposition lacks the authority to influence port operations. Concluding his remarks, Rajapaksa appealed to the Government to abandon confrontational approaches and prioritize addressing public concerns over continuing political disputes.
