By Former President Maithripala Sirisena, who already has numerous questions to answer, now faces another significant query.
It was revealed in court that he acquired 10 state properties for himself using “Swarnabhoomi” title deeds awarded during his presidency. This information came to light through the asset declaration Sirisena submitted to the Supreme Court. Five of these properties also include houses.
The issue was raised by Sanjeeva Jayawardena, PC, when Sirisena’s lawyers requested more time from the Supreme Court to settle the Rs. 100 million compensation ordered for victims of the Easter Sunday attack. Jayawardena, representing the victims, questioned how a president could accumulate such wealth while in office, suggesting that this revelation indicates corruption, and urged the court to order an investigation.
Flying High
Maithripala Sirisena flew 557 times during his five-year presidency, an amount that seems like excessive use of public funds. Information obtained from the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters under the Right to Information Act revealed that Sirisena covered a total distance of 131,277.17 kilometers on these internal flights.
Sirisena was also a frequent traveller abroad during his presidency, making 47 foreign trips to 29 countries. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka quashed a Cabinet decision allowing him to continue occupying the official residence in Colombo after his tenure, and ordered him to vacate the Paget Road residence. Additionally, he had annexed three adjoining buildings to the Paget Road residence.
Down to Earth
Sirisena often portrayed himself as a down-to-earth people’s man. He once stated that he would work from Polonnaruwa and signed official papers with an ordinary ballpoint pen. A few days later, he shared his vehicle with then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, claiming it was to cut down expenses. The total cost of his modest swearing-in ceremony was calculated at a mere LKR 6,000.
After his presidency, Sirisena mentioned that he could earn a living by singing “Virudu” songs.
