Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday told the Mahanayake of Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera that people who have not engaged in any kind of national political activities have given nominations for the Presidential Election and there is suspicion whether some of these people are contesting the Presidential Election with the intention of laundering black money.
He said that there are some people who spend undisclosed amounts of money for campaign activities and hope to become famous in some way and in addition, there are people who are Presidential candidates who want to get the television time given to all the candidates to address the people.
The Prime Minister was responding to a question from the Mahanayaka Thera regarding the high number of candidates (39) contesting for Presidency this year.
The Mahanayaka Thera in response said that it appears that people who have no idea of what to do with the large sums of money they have amassed have given nominations for the Presidential Election.
The Prime Minister said some candidates are trying to control certain institutions with the power of money and this will hinder the possibility of a free and fair election.
The Premier said that the Election Expenses Regulation Act is to be implemented in this year’s Presidential Election and the Election Commission has full powers to present interpretations related to it and also declared that laws will be implemented against those who violate these limits.