New LG representatives will have no room for corruption, fraud: President

President Maithripala Sirisena said those who will be elected to local government bodies at the forthcoming election next month would have no opportunity to indulge in fraud and corruption.

President Sirisena stressed that he would not permit the new chairs and councillors appointed to local government bodies from whatever political party to engage in fraud, corruption and violence.

He said that strict legal action would be taken against those who conduct such acts and the most severe punishment allowed by the law would be meted out to them regardless of their status or party.

President Sirisena made these remarks while addressing a public meeting in the Siripura area of Polonnaruwa recently.

The President emphasised that not only local governments but also all the higher sectors in the Government would have to follow the rule of law. The President said that during his term he expected to end the era of fraud, corruption and theft of people’s money and hoped to build a group of people’s representatives with good character who were committed to the wellbeing of the general population.

Pointing out that the previous Government’s initial unpopularity was due to the behaviour of the heads of local governments, the President noted that the then leader’s response to the actions of those representatives led to the downfall of local institutions.