Arrests Are Only the Beginning; More Arrests to Follow: President
14-Sep-2026.
“I have no need to take revenge against anyone. Investigations into those who have misappropriated State funds are being conducted independently. Those involved in corruption need not be alarmed over the arrests. This is only the beginning. More arrests will follow.
“If corruption is to be completely eradicated, those responsible for corruption must be punished. Only then can future generations run a corruption-free public administration,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
He made these remarks while addressing a public meeting held in Nochchiyagama on 13 September 2026.
The President further said:
“When strict action is taken against corruption, opposition members become unsettled. They hold meetings and claim that there are limitations on arresting those accused of corruption.
“The people gave me a mandate to punish those responsible for corruption. I am acting according to that mandate. There is no point crying that one's son has gone to prison for corruption. Children should have been brought up by teaching them that State funds must not be looted.
“When corrupt individuals are arrested, opposition members claim that I am engaging in political revenge. I have no need to take revenge against anyone.
“During the 2010 Presidential Election, Sarath Fonseka, who contested as a candidate, and I were staying at the same hotel and watching the election results. After the results were announced, the military surrounded the hotel. Sarath Fonseka was arrested and imprisoned.
“At that time, a media institution was attacked with a bomb for pointing out shortcomings of the then Government. Journalists were killed. State officials were threatened. Many people fled the country. That is political revenge.
“I have no need to take revenge against anyone. Investigations against those who have misappropriated State funds are being conducted independently. Those involved in corruption need not be alarmed over the arrests. This is only the beginning. More arrests will follow.
“Corrupt individuals who have gone into hiding abroad will soon be brought back to the country. Necessary measures have been taken at the diplomatic level.
“If corruption is to be completely eradicated, those responsible for corruption must be punished. Only then will future generations be able to run a corruption-free public administration,” he said.
