Presidential Fund Used for Elite Education? Minister’s Tables List

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Construction Anura Karunatilaka presented a list of individuals—primarily relatives of former ministers and MPs—who had received scholarships from the Presidential Fund for overseas education between 2005 and 2014.

Responding to a question raised by a fellow MP, Minister Karunatilaka confirmed that funds from the Presidential Fund had been allocated to children, relatives, and associates of political figures for postgraduate and higher education abroad.

Among the names disclosed were:

Harshana Supun Rajakaruna, son of former MP Sarathchandra Rajakaruna (Gampaha District)

I.N. Kodithuwakku, relative of former MP Karunasena Kodithuwakku (Colombo District)

K. Radhakrishnan, relative of former National List MP B. Radhakrishnan

Dinesh Godangoda and K.K. Paranawithana, both reportedly linked to political affiliations

The Minister also tabled figures showing the total disbursements:

2005: Rs. 73.435 million
2006: Rs. 65.198 million
2007: Rs. 33.34 million to 42 recipients
2008: Rs. 11.55 million to 18 recipients
2009: Rs. 3.95 million to 4 recipients
2010: Rs. 3.4 million to 3 recipients
2011: Rs. 1.6 million to 2 recipients
2012: Rs. 3.23 million to 2 recipients
2014: Rs. 700,000 to 1 recipient

Minister Karunatilaka emphasized that a review of the Presidential Fund’s records clearly indicates that political connections played a role in the allocation of scholarships.