Udaya Gammanpila sparked controversy by questioning whether Minister Wasantha’s grandfather, Herath Mudiyanse, should be credited as the true founder of cryptocurrency instead of Satoshi Nakamoto.
Speaking at a Pivithuru Hela Urumaya media briefing, party leader and lawyer Udaya Gammanpila took aim at MPs who boast of earning Rs. 10–15 lakhs per month while allegedly failing to open income tax files. He accused several politicians, including Minister Wasantha, of living off hereditary wealth without being transparent about their assets or paying taxes.
Gammanpila added a provocative twist by pointing out that if Minister Wasantha’s wealth is truly inherited, then even his cryptocurrency holdings declared as part of his assets must trace back to his grandfather. This, he quipped, would mean Sri Lanka missed recognizing Herath Mudiyanse as the actual father of cryptocurrency, overshadowing the globally acknowledged inventor Satoshi Nakamoto, who introduced Bitcoin in 2009.
The fiery remarks have triggered debate, with Gammanpila questioning how such a monumental contribution to world history could have gone unnoticed if the claim is true.
He further explained the legality of cryptocurrency in Sri Lanka. While it is not illegal to own digital assets if received as a gift or as payment for goods, direct purchases through cash or credit cards remain prohibited. If Minister Wasantha did not inherit the cryptocurrency, Gammanpila suggested, then the acquisition may have violated financial regulations.
The allegations blur the line between satire and serious political attack, but they highlight growing scrutiny over undeclared wealth, digital currency, and political accountability.
