The People’s Struggle Alliance has intensified accusations surrounding major political donations during the recent presidential election, alleging a significant financial influence from prominent business figures. Indrananda de Silva, representing the alliance, recently claimed that rice magnate Dudley Sirisena contributed Rs 100 million to support President Anura Dissanayake’s campaign. According to de Silva, he possesses transcripts of phone conversations that purportedly verify these transactions, which he is willing to submit as evidence if challenged legally.
In a public address in Gampola, de Silva stated, “I have proof. If they believe these names are false, they are welcome to take me to court.” He further alleged that Sirisena, known for his substantial wealth, has been leveraging his resources to sway political outcomes by financially backing specific candidates.
Critics have raised concerns regarding President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s silence on rice pricing, suggesting it may be linked to campaign contributions from the prominent rice mill owner Dudley Sirisena. During a meeting on October 22, 2024, President Dissanayake stated that the controlled price of rice would remain unchanged and emphasized the need for a formal mechanism to ensure fair pricing for both farmers and consumers. He also highlighted efforts to reduce input costs for small and medium-scale rice millers.
However, the lack of explicit action on rice pricing has led some to question whether financial support from influential figures like Sirisena is influencing policy decisions.
The claims extend beyond Dissanayake; de Silva alleged that Owner of Ratna Sahal, another wealthy figure, contributed Rs 500 Million to Sajith Premadasa’s campaign. He questioned Dissanayake’s silence on critical national issues, suggesting it may be a result of these financial obligations. “Since taking office, he (Dissanayake) has barely spoken on important matters,” de Silva added, implying that political and financial alliances may be impacting transparency and governance.
These allegations highlight broader concerns within the political landscape, as questions of transparency and the influence of financial backers on political decision-making become increasingly prominent. However, the claims remain unverified by legal investigation, with calls growing for more scrutiny into the role of private donations in shaping political leadership.
