Chamith Wijesundera questions Government’s commitment to integrity

Chamith Wijesundera, National Youth Organizer of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has called for decisive action against candidates who provide false qualifications or spread misinformation to gain votes. 

 

Referring to the recent resignation of the Speaker and allegations against Deputy Speaker Rizwi Salli, Wijesundera stressed that systemic failures in Sri Lankan politics undermine the democratic process, demanding stricter accountability measures and immediate reforms.

 

While praising the Speaker’s resignation as a step toward accountability, Wijesundera argued that the real issue lies in systemic failures that allow candidates to mislead the public without facing substantial consequences.

 

The issue gained fresh urgency after Rizwi Salli, a candidate under the National People’s Power (NPP) banner and the Deputy Speaker, admitted to falsely claiming to be a specialist doctor during his campaign. Initially, Salli shifted the blame to his campaign team, but evidence later surfaced that he had promoted himself as a specialist doctor on his personal Facebook page. The post was reportedly edited only after public scrutiny.

 

“This raises a critical question,” Wijesundera said. “What action will the government take to address cases of candidates providing false qualifications and information to gain votes?” He argued that such behavior undermines the democratic process and called for clear penalties, including disqualification, fines, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the falsehood.

 

Wijesundera also criticized the role of social media in spreading misinformation. He described the use of platforms like Facebook to disseminate false narratives as a “concerning trend” that requires stricter monitoring and accountability in digital campaigns. “This manipulation of information reveals a disturbing exploitation of online platforms to mislead voters,” he added.

 

Calling for immediate action, Wijesundera urged the Electoral Commission and the government to investigate not just Salli’s case but also other candidates who may have provided fake credentials or misinformation. “Falsifying credentials is not just unethical—it’s a breach of trust and, potentially, a violation of electoral laws,” he said.

 

He stressed that voters deserve more than “empty apologies or symbolic resignations” and demanded a transparent investigation to set a precedent that dishonesty in politics will not be tolerated.

 

“The government’s response—or lack thereof—will reflect its commitment to democracy,” Wijesundera said in conclusion. “Will it take decisive action to uphold honesty and integrity, or will it allow falsehoods to erode the trust of the people further? The time for rhetoric is over; it’s time for real action.”