Milinda protests unconscionable campaign expenditure – hands over donation to Vajiraramaya Temple
Posted on February 24th, 2010
Press Release Gamini Sarath Godakanda
As always, his campaign to be free of posters, cut-outs, firecrackers
The Leader of the Sri Lanka National Congress, Milinda Moragoda is to be a candidate for the Colombo District, contesting on the UPFA list in the upcoming General Elections. Today (24.02.2010) at the Vajiraramaya Temple, he announced his pledge to continue to follow the principles he has always practiced and will again run a campaign free of posters, large cutouts, firecrackers and polythene decorations. In addition, in order to highlight the gross waste of money spent on campaigns, he has pledged to run a campaign free of extravagance, and will utilize the savings on community development projects.
In previous elections, Mr. Moragoda has donated part of his campaign budget for the upgrading of city playgrounds and the renovation of eldersƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ homes. As a first step, today, Mr. Moragoda and the SLNC Campaign Committee decided to undertake the repairs of the roof of the historic Vajirarama Temple library, as well as some of its buildings, which have been long overdue. A substantial donation was handed over to the Dayaka Sabhava so that work can be commenced immediately. Ven. Thirikunamalaye Ananada , Amarapura Darmarakshitha Nikaya Anunayaka Thero, Ven. Balangoda Sobitha, Parivenadhipathi of Vidodaya Pirivena, Ven. Ahangama Ananda, and Ven Denipitiye Somarathana Theros and Members of Vajiraramaya Dayakasabawe were present the event.
In 2001 and 2004, Mr. Moragoda set a precedent in the Colombo District by challenging other candidates to conduct their campaign so that the citizen and voter are respected. As he then pointed out, posters and cut-outs not only infringe on private property and create an inconvenience to the public, the activity of putting up posters often results in violent clashes when unruly supporters clash with each other in the frenetic race to paste posters of their favoured candidates. Increasingly, there has been an unprecedented amount of money being lavished on cut-outs, posters, and other excessive and unproductive expenditures. Sadly, there is little focus or debate on the substantive issues and instead a tamasha atmosphere prevails.
February 25th, 2010 at 1:27 am
This is a very good example by Hon. Mr Milinda Moragoda that all the other candidates also should follow. If they really love the voter and the country they should not spend money lavishly on campaigns instead they can use that money wisely on social and religous activities.
I wish you Good Luck Mr Milinda!