Fresh allegations rock local governance as opposition claims public contracts were turned into personal gain, triggering legal threats and demands for accountability.
The opposition has accused three National People’s Power MPs representing the Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha of misusing public funds by implementing government contract projects under their own names, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability at the local level.
Speaking at a media briefing, opposition MPs said these actions amount to a direct violation of the Local Government Ordinance, which clearly prohibits elected members from obtaining contracts from the same local authority they serve.
According to the opposition, such violations are not minor administrative lapses but offenses serious enough to warrant the termination of an MP’s office under existing law. They said documentary proof is available to support these claims.
The opposition has already informed the Governor of the Western Province about the alleged misuse of public funds and confirmed that legal action will follow in the coming weeks as the matter escalates.
Further allegations were also made against the chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha, who is accused of wasting public money through excessive fuel usage and vehicle rentals. It was revealed that the chairman allegedly receives 500 liters of fuel per month and uses a vehicle rented at approximately Rs. 260,000 monthly, in addition to drawing more than Rs. 500,000 per month from council funds.
“The House report mentions the money received by MP Ashoka Kumara and MP Dharmawansa. It also mentions how MP Sahan Prasad received money using ATMs. The bill states that financial transactions cannot be made. If these financial transactions are made, the membership of the member will be abolished. The next session is on the 10th, there are those who can read. If you have any shame, do not come to the House after reading the bill.
As of today, the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha has received an amount of more than 5 lakhs per month. The vehicle he uses has been rented for 260,000 per month. He has received 500 liters of diesel from the Council’s fund. Is he the President of Sri Lanka to take this from the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha? They are misusing the people’s money and are getting special privileges. These guys took power in the Council on the pretext of uprooting weeds and planting flowers. Now those flowers it’s just become a weed.”
