MP Archun Ramanathan has exposed shocking details in Parliament, claiming that lawmakers who once portrayed themselves as humble and poor are now wealthier than Namal Rajapaksa, owning multiple luxury vehicles and hiding asset declarations.
MP Archun Ramanathan delivered a fiery speech in Parliament, accusing several ruling party members of hypocrisy and hidden wealth. He alleged that the same politicians who once portrayed themselves as “ordinary poor people” while in opposition, even posting videos of themselves traveling by buses and trains on social media, are now living lavish lifestyles in government.
According to Ramanathan, these MPs now own two or three vehicles each, parked at the Madiwela housing complex, a stark contrast to the humble image they previously projected. He further claimed that the government is preparing to import 2,000 additional vehicles for MPs, despite public outrage over economic struggles and rising costs of living.
Ramanathan also accused the government of shielding MPs from financial scrutiny by failing to ensure that they submit their mandatory asset and liability declarations. He emphasized that without these declarations, it is impossible for the public to verify their true financial status or even obtain their official ID card numbers.
“Some of these so-called humble leaders now have more assets than Namal Rajapaksa,” he said, pointing to glaring contradictions between their past rhetoric and present reality. The claim carries particular weight, as Namal Rajapaksa has long been a symbol of political privilege and wealth in Sri Lanka.
Ramanathan argued that the failure to disclose assets and liabilities is not just a violation of accountability but a deliberate attempt to hide questionable financial gains. He urged the public to see through the façade and demand transparency from those in power, especially from MPs who built their political image on the premise of being close to the struggles of ordinary citizens.
His remarks have reignited debate on the credibility of Sri Lanka’s political class, many of whom are now being accused of double standards—preaching austerity and simplicity in opposition, but embracing luxury once in power.
As public frustration grows, the issue of MPs’ hidden wealth is likely to become a central theme in future debates over governance, integrity, and accountability.
