“Fathers should have advised their sons not to steal; what can I do if they are caught?” – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said claims of political revenge and attempts to gain public sympathy would not deter the Government from taking legal action against those accused of corruption and misappropriation of public funds.Addressing the “People’s Rule – Two Years Strong – Progress for All” farmers’ rally in Polonnaruwa, the President said the Government had no personal disputes or desire for revenge against anyone, but had a responsibility to bring to justice those responsible for damaging the country through corruption.“What do they say when corrupt individuals are caught? They claim it is political revenge. Why would we seek revenge? We have no land disputes or personal arguments with anyone. However, we do have a case to settle and that is the case of bringing to justice the corrupt individuals who destroyed this country,” he said.
The President said attempts by those facing legal action to evoke sympathy by shedding tears would not influence the Government.“Fathers should have told their sons not to steal while the theft was happening. Shedding tears only after they are caught is useless. We will not fall for those tears, nor will we allow sympathy to override the law,” he said.He said that the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of their family background or relationship to those facing allegations.
“The law applies equally to a grandmother, a mother, a brother, or an uncle. If family members commit theft, they get caught together—what can we do?” the President said.He said the Government’s actions were intended to send a clear message that anyone who misappropriates public funds would eventually be held accountable.“We are doing this to set an example to the people of our country, proving that anyone who touches even a single cent of public wealth will face punishment one day,” he said.
President Dissanayake also rejected allegations that the Government was driven by hatred or seeking revenge against its political opponents.“We harbor no hatred toward anyone. What we hold is a vision to rebuild this country,” he said.He said the people had placed their trust in the Government with expectations that corruption would be eliminated, the rule of law restored, the economy developed and a better future created for their children.According to the President, those objectives could not be achieved without taking action against corruption and ensuring that those responsible for wrongdoing face the law.
“Stopping theft, putting an end to corruption, and making the law fair and civilized for everyone are vital parts of nation-building,” he said.