January 13, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has revealed that it earned more than Rs. 56 million by offering air transport services to presidential candidates during the 2024 election campaign.
The services, which were provided over a span of 34 days from August 15, when nomination submissions began, until the conclusion of the election campaigns on September 18, have sparked significant attention.
According to the SLAF, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe accounted for the largest share of earnings, with Rs. 29.09 million generated from 23 flights.
Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa followed closely, contributing Rs. 20.75 million for 11 flights.
Additionally, SLPP candidate Namal Rajapaksa used the service twice, bringing in Rs. 1.44 million.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also chartered two flights, paying Rs. 2.68 million, while former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and former National Security Adviser Sagala Ratnayake respectively paid Rs. 1.24 million and Rs. 1.6 million for one flight each.
In a notable development, it was reported that NPP candidate and current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake did not make use of SLAF flights during the campaign, marking a contrast to the other candidates.
The financial breakdown was provided in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, shedding light on the scale of the air transport services utilised by the political figures during the election period.
In total, the SLAF reported expenses of Rs. 9 million for fuel, having used approximately 42,000 litres to support the airlift operations throughout the election.
The use of state resources, including aircraft, by political candidates had been a topic of public debate throughout the campaign.
Critics questioned whether state funds were being misused for political purposes, but the SLAF has maintained that the services were offered strictly on a payment basis, adhering to established procedures.
