Government Relief or Election Gimmick? TISL Raises Red Flags

COLOMBO (News 1st); Transparency International Sri Lanka, has raised serious concerns about the misuse of public resources during the current election period. 

Speaking at a recent press conference, Attorney at Law Nadishani Perera, Executive Director of TISL revealed that the organization has received over 500 complaints regarding the abuse of public resources, with action already taken on approximately 300 of these cases.

Perera emphasized the public's frustration with the misuse of resources, noting that many people are eager to see accountability for those who exploit public assets for political gain. "We see public places being used to promote candidates, such as grounds or buildings being dedicated to one candidate. These are the resources of the people," she stated.

She also highlighted the government's recent announcements of various relief measures and benefits targeting specific voter groups, such as debt write-offs for farmers, subsidies for fishermen, salary increases for estate workers, and support for public officials. While acknowledging the necessity of these benefits, Perera criticized the timing of these announcements, suggesting they are being used to indirectly promote certain candidates.

"We are not against people receiving any form of benefit from the state. Of course, we would welcome that, and people are in dire need. But using this time, right now, to announce this, is you abusing that power you have, because by that you are indirectly promoting a candidate. And that is wrong, that is an abuse, and you are influencing the voter," Perera asserted.