Government Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has clarified that the statement, made in Parliament months ago, was not aimed at singling out the late actress Malini Fonseka, but was part of a broader disclosure on the Rs. 1.22 billion allocated from the President’s Fund to various politicians.
Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Jayatissa said he had only submitted a report on the funds that had been allocated to politicians, and not artists.
“MPs such as Keheliya Rambukwella, Rajitha Senaratne, D.M. Jayaratne, and Dayasiri Jayasekara were among those who had received significant allocations. I merely presented the facts in Parliament on politicians who received funds,” he said.
However, following the death of the legendary actress, social media users began circulating the old remarks, implying it was a reference to Fonseka, who had reportedly received Rs. 5.5 million from the President’s Fund during her lifetime.
Responding to the criticism, Minister Jayatissa said his statement was misinterpreted and stressed that there was no reference to the late Malini Fonseka, who is widely respected for her contributions to Sri Lankan cinema.
The final rites of Veteran Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka, who also served as a national list MP from 2010 to 2015 under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration, were held at the Independence Square under state honours.
Commenting on the funeral, Minister Jayatissa added that the final decision was made in consultation with her family and reflected their wishes. (Newswire)
