What is the JVP’s Position on Ministers’ Asset Declarations, Including Vasantha Samarasinghe: SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna

20-Sep-2025

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SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna has questioned the JVP’s stance on the recently published asset declarations of ministers, including Vasantha Samarasinghe.

He said at a press conference held at the SJB office in Colombo on September 17:

“Recently, Nalin Hewage, a minister from the NPP (JVP-led alliance), declared that any politician with assets and vehicles is a thief. Now, asset details of ministers including Vasantha Samarasinghe have been published. We welcome this disclosure. But we also know very well that there are other ministers with even greater wealth.

Unlike the JVP, we do not view politicians’ assets from a distorted perspective. In the past, they campaigned against such matters, rousing anger among the public, claiming politicians must not own assets. Now that their own asset declarations are public, it is clear that is not true.

If individual ministers possess such wealth, one should consider how much property the JVP holds as a party. Those who once claimed they wore only the clothes of ordinary people are today owners of assets worth crores. Within just one year, they have advanced to this position. They have deceived the people to the greatest extent.

It will soon be one year since the President took office. Within this period, promises such as reducing electricity tariffs by two-thirds have been abandoned. Instead, a proposal has been submitted to increase tariffs by 8 percent—the third hike in a single year.

They also promised to abolish the fuel price formula, but neither were prices reduced nor was the formula scrapped. They pledged to abolish family rule, yet diplomatic appointments were given to family members. Those who once claimed they would not take official residences or state vehicles are today enjoying all privileges.

The people now clearly see the JVP’s true face.”