SLAF rakes over Rs. 56 Mn, providing Air transport to Presidential candidates

 The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) reported earning over Rs. 56 million by providing air transport services to presidential candidates during the 2024 election campaign.

 

The services were provided over 34 days, from the nomination submissions on August 15, 2024, to the conclusion of the election campaigns on September 18, 2024.

 

The SLAF earned Rs. 29.09 million for 23 flights used by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Rs. 20.75 million for 11 flights for Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and Rs. 1.44 million from two flights for SLPP candidate Namal Rajapaksa.

 

In addition, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa used two flights, contributing Rs. 2.68 million, while former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena paid Rs. 1.24 million for one flight, and former National Security Adviser Sagala Ratnayake spent Rs. 1.6 million for another flight.

 

This information was provided in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request.

 

However, NPP candidate and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake did not use any SLAF flights during the campaign.

 

The SLAF also reported spending Rs. 9 million on 42,000 liters of fuel to support air transport during the election period.

 

Presidential candidates and their use of aircraft were highlighted in the media during the presidential election with many speculating that state funds and resources have been utilised for campaigning activities

 

Earlier, in response to the claims, it said that aircraft were provided to candidates on a payment basis, following standard procedures.