The President’s Office says no State funds are used for President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s electioneering and all expenses for meals and related costs for recent functions at Temple Trees have been met with political party funds and voluntary contributions from well wishers.

Full statement issued by the President’s Office: We refer to some media reports alleging the misuse of public funds for the campaigns of candidates in the current Presidential Election.

The allegations mainly refer to meals given at State expense, use of official vehicles and State buildings etc. for the campaign purposes of candidates. Reference has also been made to the meals provided at the functions held at Temple Trees.

The Presidential Secretariat wishes to state that no public funds have been used for such expenses for the re-election campaign of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. All expenses for meals and related costs for the recent functions held at Temple Trees have been met by political party funds and voluntary contributions from well wishers.

The Presidential Secretariat requests all individuals and organisations to refrain from making such baseless allegations without verification of facts.