During the 2024 election campaign, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) earned over Rs. 56 million by providing air transport services to Presidential candidates. These services were offered over a span of 34 days, from August 15, 2024, when nominations were submitted, to September 18, 2024, marking the end of the election campaigns.
It has been reported that the Defence Ministry granted permission to the SLAF to provide air transportation to the Presidential candidates on a payment basis.
Accordingly, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe utilised 23 flights, contributing Rs. 29.09 million to the SLAF’s earnings.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa used 11 flights, amounting to Rs. 20.75 million, while SLPP candidate Namal Rajapaksa’s two flights brought in Rs. 1.44 million.
Additionally, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s two flights added Rs. 2.68 million, former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s single flight cost Rs. 1.24 million, and former National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayake’s flight accounted for Rs. 1.6 million. However, NPP candidate and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake did not use any SLAF flights during the campaign.
The SLAF also reported spending Rs. 9 million on 42,000 litres of fuel for these flights.
Source: Daily News