By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
During the heated 2024 presidential election campaign, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) revealed it earned over Rs. 56 million by providing air transport services to candidates. This surprising figure, disclosed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, sheds light on how political leaders utilized state resources for their campaigns—and who footed the bill.
The SLAF’s air transport services were in high demand for 34 days, starting from the nomination submissions on August 15, 2024, and ending with the conclusion of campaigns on September 18, 2024. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe topped the list, spending Rs. 29.09 million for 23 flights. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa followed closely, paying Rs. 20.75 million for 11 flights. Meanwhile, SLPP candidate Namal Rajapaksa utilized two flights, contributing Rs. 1.44 million to the SLAF’s earnings.
Other notable figures also made use of the service. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid Rs. 2.68 million for two flights, while former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena spent Rs. 1.24 million for a single flight. Former National Security Adviser Sagala Ratnayake’s campaign also relied on the SLAF, with Rs. 1.6 million spent on one flight. Interestingly, NPP candidate and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake did not use any SLAF flights during the campaign.
The SLAF also disclosed that it spent Rs. 9 million on 42,000 liters of fuel to support these air transport operations during the election period. This revelation comes amid media speculation about the use of state resources for campaigning activities. Earlier, the SLAF clarified that aircraft were provided to candidates on a payment basis, following standard procedures.
