Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take decisive action to retrieve wealth allegedly stolen and hidden abroad by the Rajapaksa family to address the country’s budget deficit for 2025.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the SLPP headquarters, Kariyawasam emphasized the need for the President to collaborate with international allies, particularly the United States, to recover the funds.
“When President Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to power, there was great anticipation when U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu referred to allegations of stolen wealth. However, we have not seen any tangible progress on this matter,” Kariyawasam remarked.
He urged the President to take immediate steps:
“What is required now is to secure the full support of the United States to trace this wealth and repatriate it to Sri Lanka before presenting the next budget. If there are individuals who have illegally transferred the people’s money abroad, their identities must be revealed to the public,” he said.
Kariyawasam called on the President to prioritize this issue as a solution to the country’s economic challenges. “The people of Sri Lanka deserve transparency and justice. This money, if recovered, can help close the budget deficit and pave the way for a prosperous nation,” he concluded.
The statement underscores the ongoing debate over alleged corruption and the demand for accountability among political leaders in Sri Lanka.
