During a press conference today (19), the convener of Voice Against Corruption, Wasantha Samarasinghe, unveiled shocking revelations regarding the mismanagement of public funds related to the leasing of vehicles for the presidential secretariats.
According to Samarasinghe, companies involved in the leasing process are taking legal action to recover a staggering 230 crore rupees (2.3 billion) owed for vehicles utilized by three presidents between 2005 and 2015.
Samarasinghe disclosed that some of these vehicles have been evading tax payments since as early as 2005, with additional concerns arising over missing vehicles. The organization contends that allowing the recovery of this substantial sum, which amounts to 101 vehicles, from public taxes would constitute a grave injustice. Instead, they advocate for the funds to be reclaimed from the former presidents and other relevant officials responsible for the oversight.
The organization vehemently criticizes the prospect of burdening taxpayers to rectify the fallout of alleged mismanagement. They emphasize that those entrusted with public office not only failed to meet their financial obligations for the leased vehicles but also allowed some to go missing.
Following is the video of the press conference.
