In response to public outrage over the mismanagement and excesses of past political leaders, K.D. Lalkantha, an executive member of the National People’s Force, has called for the official residences of former Sri Lankan presidents to be opened for public exhibitions. Speaking at a press conference in Kandy on October 3rd, Lalkantha emphasized the importance of making the public aware of how extravagantly the nation’s leaders lived, while the people suffered due to the consequences of their decisions.
Lalkantha stated that there are attempts to secretly relocate items from these presidential residences, possibly out of fear that they may be showcased in future exhibitions. He asserted that such displays would reveal how political leaders misused public funds for personal luxury, and argued that citizens have a right to know how their resources were squandered.
According to Lalkantha, past presidents often created unnecessary positions to reward loyal friends and provided them with state vehicles, further burdening public resources. He argued that such actions should not remain hidden from the public and that the people have the right to demand accountability for fraud and corruption.
The press conference also featured Chandrasiri Wijenayake, a former Municipal Councilor of Kandy, who echoed Lalkantha’s call for greater transparency regarding the privileges enjoyed by former leaders. Both speakers underscored the growing public demand for justice against those who misused state resources.
