As ministers parade their wealth while insisting it’s clean, citizen watchdogs march to the Bribery Commission demanding answers. The question is simple: are these assets the fruit of business and inheritance—or political privilege?
Citizen activism has collided head-on with politics after Jamuni Kamantha Thushara, convener of Citizen Power Against Corruption and Waste, filed a formal complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The complaint demands a full probe into the asset declarations of several government ministers whose fortunes have sparked heated debate across social media.
The ministers named include Bimal Ratnayake, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Kumara Jayakody, Sunil Handunnetti, Sunil Watagala, and Nalinda Jayatissa. The organization insists that Sri Lankans deserve transparency on whether these assets were genuinely earned through family inheritances, private businesses, or other legitimate means.
According to Thushara, the controversy began when social media posts highlighted the declared wealth of several ministers, with special attention paid to Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. Reports suggested that he has assets worth Rs. 270 million, a figure he attributes to decades of work and land development in his hometown of Thambuttegama. Critics argue, however, that ordinary citizens find it difficult to reconcile such staggering sums with politicians who once campaigned on humble lifestyles and public sacrifice.
“The organizers should have a prior understanding of how many teams will be coming to the tournament,” is how one football official critiqued a different scandal recently, but the same sentiment resonates here. The public demands clarity, asking: how were these assets accumulated, and why should they accept vague answers?
Thushara emphasized that the complaint is not intended to smear the government but to protect it. “They are showing off their assets and smearing the ministers and the government,” he said, pointing to how social media speculation risks undermining public trust. He stressed that if the ministers are confident in their honesty, they should welcome the Bribery Commission’s investigations and prove their wealth was built legally.
He drew a sharp comparison with Ramith Rambukwella, previously indicted for failing to explain assets of a similar value. “If Rambukwella could not show how he earned his money, then this situation should also apply to these ministers,” Thushara argued.
The stakes are high because the public’s patience is thin. Many citizens feel betrayed, noting that the same government which once asked them to tighten belts and contribute even to oil extraction now features ministers sitting atop fortunes of hundreds of millions. As Thushara put it, “The people made a great commitment to bring this government to power, and therefore, when there are ministers with such large assets, there is curiosity and questioning among the people.”
The watchdog group warns of dangerous consequences if the government fails to address the issue decisively. They argue that silence and delay could lead to unrest and even rebellion. “If this government is to be free from corruption and fraud, if it is not possible to show how the assets were acquired fairly, the Bribery Commission should immediately initiate an investigation and prosecute these ministers, just as it indicted the Rambukwella family,” Thushara declared.
The organization is also urging the President to set an example by ensuring that corrupt officials and ministers face justice. At the same time, they call for all 225 members of parliament to have their assets and liabilities scrutinized, arguing that only a full-scale review can restore public confidence.
In his closing remarks, Thushara challenged both social media critics and political leaders. He urged those venting online to channel their outrage into formal complaints rather than baseless slander. He also called on the Bribery Commission to act with urgency. “We request the Bribery Commission to conduct these investigations promptly, reveal the truth to the public of the country, and enforce the law against those who have earned money illegally.”
With suspicions mounting and citizens demanding answers, the controversy underscores a fundamental truth: in politics, wealth is not the problem, but unexplained wealth is. Whether these ministers emerge vindicated or indicted will depend on the Bribery Commission’s willingness to act. Until then, questions about transparency, accountability, and credibility will continue to haunt the government.
