President assures zero corruption behind emergency purchases

• Well aware that massive underhand financial deals take place behind emergency purchases 

By Ajith Siriwardana 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday gave a firm undertaking that he is not hesitant to remove any Minister who is proved to have committed any fraud or corruption using his or her portfolio.

The President told a special press briefing that he is aware that massive underhand financial deals take place behind emergency purchases. 

Responding to a question about what assurance the government can give that no fraud or corruption will take place behind emergency purchases, he said, “Trust us. That is all”. 

“If any Minister had used his or her portfolio to commit fraud or corruption, file an indictment in any court, I will remove the person the following day,” he said. 

The President said he or any Minister never intervenes in choosing companies and added that the main disqualification for a company to get selected is if it comes through a politician or government official. 

He said a committee comprising trustworthy and reputable state officials has been appointed to the Committee, which is entrusted with the responsibility of handling emergency purchases, adding that the cabinet approves the decision of the said committee.