Former Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake has openly defended his use of funds from the President’s Fund for a life-saving kidney transplant. Addressing allegations surrounding the allocation of Rs. 3 million for his surgery, Dissanayake provided a detailed response to critics.
“A helpless man like me took Rs. 3 million from the President’s Fund to undergo a kidney transplant. But let me be clear – not a single rupee was deposited into my personal or family bank accounts. The entire amount was directly paid to a private hospital in Wattala where the surgery was performed,” he explained.
Dissanayake emphasized that the Rs. 3 million was insufficient to cover the full costs of his treatment. “A kidney transplant cannot be done with Rs. 3 million alone. My final hospital bill, after three months of treatment, amounted to Rs. 10 million. To pay this, I even sold my vehicle,” he revealed.
The former minister also highlighted his longstanding commitment to helping others access the President’s Fund for medical emergencies. “How many patients have I personally intervened to assist in obtaining funds for their treatments? Yet, everyone is shouting about the help I received,” he said.
In an emotional appeal, Dissanayake defended his integrity during his tenure as a Member of Parliament. “I have not committed a single fraud. I haven’t even harmed a mosquito, let alone defrauded anyone. If helping someone like me is deemed a crime, then hang me,” he declared.
The controversy over the use of funds from the President’s Fund raises broader questions about transparency and fairness in the allocation process, even as Dissanayake insists his case was one of genuine need.
