Vijitha Herath tourism decisions face criticism in an open letter questioning the SLTDA leadership change and the Government’s anti-corruption agenda.
The Vijitha Herath tourism controversy has left one self-described Malimawa voter questioning whether the Government’s changes at the Tourism Board match the mandate it received.
To Minister Vijitha Brother,
A small reminder from someone in the village to the Minister.
Vijitha brother, people like us from the village went to vote for Malimawa believing that a new Government had arrived to catch thieves and rebuild the country.
But when we look at what is now happening at the Tourism Board, even people sitting around our village shop and working in the fields are beginning to ask questions.
President Anura brother appears determined to pursue corruption from one direction. Yet what is happening within tourism leaves us wondering whether that same journey is being undermined from within.
It was after seeing a post published by “HariDeshaya” that many of us began paying closer attention.
Why Was Buddhika Hewawasam Removed?
Buddhika Hewawasam’s departure does not look like an ordinary administrative change to us.
He was someone President Anura himself personally approached and placed in that position. He had also worked hard for Malimawa’s election campaign and was directly associated with its anti-corruption agenda.
Supporters viewed him as a straightforward official who would not bow to powerful business interests.
The allegation circulating among his supporters is that he confronted major tourism-sector interests, pursued outstanding taxes and attempted to enforce the law rather than accommodate influential companies.
Those remain claims made within the political debate, but they have shaped the questions now being asked.
Then Hewawasam left, and Suranjith Wevita was appointed in his place.
From what we hear, critics claim Wevita has close relationships with powerful business figures and is also personally close to you.
I told the people at our village junction: “Our Vijitha brother would not undermine the President’s anti-corruption campaign and make deals with those kinds of people.”
But now they are asking me: “Where is your Vijitha brother?”
And I am left without an answer.
Is Vijitha Herath Tourism Policy Going in Another Direction?
The question now being asked is simple: are you and the President moving in two different directions?
While the President speaks about fighting corruption, are ministerial appointments creating the impression that favourites or personal associates are being placed in important institutions?
We still cannot understand whether the President’s original choice was considered wrong, or whether you are pursuing a separate agenda through your ministerial authority.
What voters wanted was the “system change” promised by the President.
We did not vote for a return to the old practice where one political camp’s appointees are removed only for another minister’s preferred people or business associates to take their place.
That is precisely why the Vijitha Herath tourism decisions are attracting attention beyond the tourism industry itself.
Can the New Chairman Continue the Anti-Corruption Push?
The next question concerns Suranjith Wevita.
Does the new Chairman have the ability and independence to continue the anti-corruption work that Buddhika Hewawasam’s supporters say he had begun?
Or will he move away from the President’s stated policy and instead accommodate the wishes of the Minister or influential business interests?
That is what voters like us will now watch.
This is not a declaration that those allegations are proven. It is a request for clarity from a voter who supported Malimawa because of its promise to change how government institutions operate.
Minister, please do not allow the people’s mandate behind the President’s anti-corruption programme to be undermined.
Work in a manner that leaves no room for people to believe that powerful or corrupt interests can once again influence important state institutions.
Yours sincerely,
An honest citizen from the village who voted for Malimawa and is now confused.
SOURCE:- HARI DESHAYA
