Opposition Parliamentarian, Namal Rajapaksa has alleged that the Government’s incompetence and corruption are increasingly being exposed with events unfolding in recent weeks. 

Speaking to the media in Tangalle on Tuesday (28), Rajapaksa said the Government has made headlines for several controversial developments, including the release of 323 containers from a harbour, the import of substandard coal and the costly procurement of a fuel tanker. He further alleged that funds from the Finance Ministry had also been misappropriated. Rajapaksa claimed that the reported disappearance of US $ 2.5 million from the said Ministry was not the result of a hacking incident, but rather a financial fraud. 

Rajapaksa added that responsibility for the matter lies not only with the Treasury Secretary but also with the President, in his capacity as the Finance Minister. He also criticised the authorities for failing to initiate legal action, alleging that the incident had been concealed from the public for approximately eight months. He further stated that such financial transactions could not have been carried out without the signature of the Finance Minister, and noted that the Central Bank had reportedly sought clarification from the Ministry prior to processing the payment. According to him, this indicates that those responsible are within the Government itself.

Rajapaksa also alleged the Government is failing to deliver on its promises to the public and accused it of continuing corrupt practices while pursuing its own agenda rather than focusing on strengthening the economy.