Web of Life

The President is correct in pointing out several instances of corruption in the tank rehabilitation project of the JVP. This programme is being carried out by JVP Ministers and their supporters who know nothing regarding rehabilitation of tanks said UNP Parliamentarian Hemakumara Nanayakkara addressing a media briefing at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Tuesday.

The maintenance of tanks is the responsibility of former societies but this has been taken by force by groups of JVP supporters under the guise of tank committees. This is a corrupt practice, since the funds which belong to the public have been used to finance party activity of the JVP, he said.

Former Minister Gamini Jayawikrama Perera said that the dangers of commencing tank rehabilitation was highlighted by the UNP before the JVP began this programme which was primarily aimed at promoting the image of their party.

Rehabilitation of tanks is a scientific process and has to be done with care and under the guidance of specialists or else the whole project will crumble, he added.

The situation today however is that the JVP has made use of this programme to have large scale festivities at the expense of the people.

Parliamentarian Kabeer Hashim said that at a ceremony to mark the rehabilitation of minor tank within the Mawanella electorate, the cost of fuel at Rs. 500 each for two JVP Ministers, printing of posters and transport costing Rs. 7000 was demanded from the poor farmers of the area. The JVP had spent this sum of money and demanded that it be reimbursed by the farmers of the area. This is one such instance of corruption. There are many more, he said.

The President is right and justified in warning the JVP Minister concerned of the corrupt practices within the tank rehabilitation programme and directing that it be made transparent, he added.