Three Gampaha councillors from the NPP accused of financial fraud

2026-02-08 - 12:09

A group of councillors from the joint opposition of the Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha has alleged that three councillors elected representing the National People’s Power (NPP) have misappropriated public funds by carrying out government contracts in their own names. Addressing a media briefing yesterday afternoon (07), the opposition councillors said that, under the Local Authorities Ordinance, a member of a Pradeshiya Sabha is prohibited from engaging in contracts. They further pointed out that obtaining money through such contracts constitutes grounds for the forfeiture of a councillor’s seat. The joint opposition councillors said they had also lodged a complaint with the Governor of the Western Province regarding the matter. They added that steps would be taken to file legal action against the relevant councillors in due course. “The council report of last December clearly mentions the funds obtained by Councillor Ashoka Kumara and Councillor Dharmawangsa. It also states how Councillor Sahan Prasad obtained money using a backhoe machine. The law clearly states that financial transactions are not permitted. Once such financial transactions take place, the councillor’s position is annulled. The next council session is scheduled for the 10th. There are people who can read. If there is any sense of shame, read the Act and do not attend the council.” Meanwhile, the group of councillors also accused the Chairman of the Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha of wasting public funds by obtaining 500 litres of fuel per month. They further alleged that the Chairman was misusing council funds by hiring a motor vehicle on a monthly rental basis of Rs. 250,000. “They obtained the people’s votes by promising to save public funds, but today the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha is receiving over Rs. 500,000 per month. The vehicle he uses is hired at a monthly cost of Rs. 260,000. He also obtains 500 litres of diesel from the council fund. Is the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha the President of Sri Lanka? They are misusing public funds and enjoying special privileges. They came to power saying they would uproot weeds and plant flowers, but now those flowers have simply turned into weeds again.”