Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna addressed Parliament to clarify allegations regarding a government scholarship he received, asserting that he qualified under a transparent system while his father was serving in the opposition.
Speaking in Parliament, Rajakaruna claimed the government deliberately raised the issue to discredit him and other opposition members. “My father was in the opposition at the time. I applied for a government scholarship after completing my degree, underwent an interview, and was awarded Rs. 500,000 based on merit,” he said.
Rajakaruna noted that over Rs. 73 million in scholarship funds had been disbursed that year, yet his name was the only one highlighted. “No other recipients were named,” he said, adding that prominent figures such as Lalith Athulathmudali and Rohana Wijeweera had also received similar educational support in the past.
He alleged that the move was politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation, urging the matter be addressed fairly.
In response, Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake clarified that the scholarship received by Rohana Wijeweera was funded by the Soviet Communist Party, not by the Sri Lankan government. “It was among several scholarships granted to the Communist Party of Sri Lanka,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Minister Anura Karunathilaka told Parliament that between 2005 and 2014, scholarships from the President’s Fund had been awarded to children and relatives of sitting presidents, ministers, and MPs. Among the named recipients were family members of former parliamentarians, including Rajakaruna.
