Common candidate Maithripala Sirisena has decided to create a special fund to help the kidney patients in the North Central province from the money that he has received for poster campaigns and cutouts.

Addressing a press briefing in Colombo two days ago, the common candidate said he would launch an eco-friendly election campaign by not encouraging the use of polythene, posters and cutouts. 

 The special fund, according to Sirisena, will assist the kidney patients and their family members in fulfilling their financial needs pertaining to surgeries and treatments. Most of the kidney patients in the province are from families that are already burdened with financial issues. 

This is the first time a major contender for presidency has decided to refrain from using polythene, posters and cutouts in his election campaign. 

North Central Province, where the common candidate started his political career, is an area that is severely affected by kidney diseases. Thousands of farmers are still receiving treatment for kidney issues whose source, according to some scientists, the heavy use of pesticides.