By Adolf
The JVP has long built its political identity on a narrative of austerity, sacrifice, and fighting corruption. Its leaders have often painted themselves as the voice of the common man, standing against excess, privilege, and corruption in public life. But recent disclosures on the asset declarations of senior leaders have raised serious and troubling questions. If the JVP claims to be different from the mainstream political class, then surely their own conduct must stand up to the highest level of scrutiny. Instead, what we now see is a disturbing gap between rhetoric and reality.
Assets Declaration
The issue of asset declarations is not a matter of political nitpicking. It is central to public trust. Every parliamentarian is required by law to submit a declaration of assets and liabilities. The spirit of that law is to ensure that public servants are accountable and that their lifestyle matches their legitimate income. When politicians amass properties, luxury vehicles, or other assets far beyond what their known earnings can support, the public has every right to ask: where did this money come from?
The case of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the JVP’s leader, has naturally come under the spotlight. Reports based on his declaration suggest he owns a house valued at over 40 million rupees. That is no small sum, especially for a politician who has spent his career in parliament on a Member of Parliament’s salary. The people deserve an explanation. Was this house purchased through bank loans, family wealth, or some other legitimate means? Has he paid the due taxes on it? And most importantly, has this been properly declared to the Inland Revenue Department before now?
How did they acquire?
These questions are not character assassinations – they are the same questions the JVP itself has repeatedly asked of other politicians. For decades, the JVP has demanded to know how ministers and MPs acquired their luxury mansions, fleets of cars, or overseas investments. They have accused others of corruption, abuse of office, and tax evasion. But now that the spotlight has turned on them, their explanations appear thin and defensive.
The opposition, civil society, and indeed all citizens should press for clear answers. Asset declarations should not be pieces of paper locked away in parliamentary files. They should be made public, open to scrutiny, and verified against tax records. The Inland Revenue Department must confirm whether taxes were paid on these declared assets and whether the valuations given are realistic. If there is nothing to hide, the JVP should welcome such scrutiny as a way of proving their integrity.
The real danger for the JVP lies in hypocrisy. Their supporters rallied behind them because they seemed different – disciplined, honest, and principled. If that image crumbles, the JVP will be seen as just another political party that says one thing to the people and does another for themselves. That would be the ultimate betrayal of their base. Accountability is not optional. It is the price of claiming moral superiority in politics. The JVP must come clean, explain how such assets were acquired, and prove that all taxes were duly paid. Until then, the mask has slipped – and the people are watching.
