Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has voiced grave concerns regarding the pervasive misappropriation of public funds in the current 2024 presidential election. As of September 4, there had been 580 complaints filed with TISL. As a result, ECSL was encouraged to act quickly to rectify these infractions. The improper use of official vehicles for campaign objectives, including those from the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), is one of the allegations. In an effort to obtain transparency regarding these instances, TISL has submitted Right to Information (RTI) requests.
Furthermore, there have been reports of public officials—some of whom are prohibited from engaging in politics—campaigning in person and on social media. A review of these officers’ participation in election duties has been demanded by TISL. The Executive Director of TISL, Nadishani Perera, emphasized policies that seem designed to influence voters, like crop debts for farmers being written off. “While public benefits are welcome, announcing them during election season raises concerns of manipulation,” she said.
The abuse of the President’s Media Division (PMD) to advance particular candidates was also covered by TISL. The National Coordinator of TISL, Thushanie Kandilpana, urged individuals to report any additional infractions and stressed the importance of accountability. In order to allow the public to report abuses of public resources, TISL has established a hotline and a website. The organization has also urged the public and media to exercise caution during this crucial time.