Naganada fails to submit nominations after collecting campaign funds

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Despite a number of candidates who submitted their nominations at the National Election Commission, Nagananda Kodituwakku did not submit his nominations, However, Nagananda Kodituwakku who missed his opportunity to contest the presidential polls arrived at the National Elections Commission today (October 07). Nagananda Kodituwakku noted that if he was to contest at the election he had to represent a recognized party, or has to be either an MP or former MP. He added that an MP can register his political party 4 years prior to the election and their movement had only been established in 2017 stating that it would reach 4 years only in 2021. He went on to note that when they reached the Election Commission regarding this matter they advised him to join another party to contest at the 2020 election. He added that accordingly, they sought 5-6 parties and they all expected Rs 30mn to represent their parties which he was clearly against. Nagananda noted that they finally came up with "Okkama Wasiyo Okama Rajawaru" and they came to a written agreement to put himself forward as their presidential candidate. He added that as a part of their agreement he had to relinquish his British citizenship formally to represent their party. He went on to note that however after he had produced his legal documents instead of allowing him to represent the party, they had started to dodge him. He further added that he met the secretary of the party and agreed to meet at the commission by 10 am to place their bonds on Friday(October 04) but they had only arrived at around 4 pm only to inform him that they can't allow him to represent their party and requested him to support former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake instead. He noted that this was carried out tactfully and he had submitted his objection to the Commission online. Nagananda added that he arrived at an agreement with another party, and the public will find out who they are soon enough. But he assured that it is not one of the main two parties that are full of corruption and malpractice. Journalist: Is the agreement with the JVP? Nagananda: I told you that if Nagananda was to come to an agreement with the JVP, I would reveal the name only after the agreement has been publically declared. I cannot name one party. Journalist: There is an accusation that you collected a lot of funds. Is all that money yours now? Nagananda: In total, a sum of about Rs 11 million was collected. There was an account that was opened for this purpose. No other party can steal from that account. I will reveal all the information to the public.