In a dramatic turn of events, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has thrown down the gauntlet, publicly urging the Sri Lankan government to confiscate any so-called hidden assets allegedly linked to the Rajapaksa family starting with the widely rumored Dubai Marriott Hotel.
“If we really own a Marriott Hotel in Dubai, then by all means, take it,” Namal declared during a fiery press briefing. “If there’s Ugandan money tied to us, bring it in. If we have any property acquired through illegal means anywhere in the world confiscate it and hand it over to the Sri Lankan government. That’s my challenge.”
In a veiled swipe at National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Namal mocked the ongoing claims that the Rajapaksas possess up to $18 billion in overseas assets. “Ranil Wickremesinghe never said we had $18 billion. He merely repeated what Anura Kumara said. Ranil is clever he used the JVP to spread the lie, and when they tried to prove it, they proved it false.”
According to Namal, the President and opposition fell into a political trap laid by Wickremesinghe, using their own allegations to discredit themselves. “When they tried to find what didn’t exist, they ended up exposing the lie they created,” he said.
Doubling down on his stance, Namal issued a bold call to President Anura Kumara: “Bring back the so-called $18 billion. Take over the Dubai Marriott if we own it. Seize the assets. I am even willing to sign an affidavit right now just to prove there’s nothing to hide.”
The challenge, laced with sarcasm and political theatre, has reignited fierce debate over long-standing corruption allegations against the Rajapaksa family and whether the new administration has the will or the evidence to act.
