The Hon. (Dr.) Najith Indika

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, first I wish to express our collective sorrow at the sudden demise of our colleague, Hon. Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, with whom I studied and engaged in politics from university days. We pledge to take forward the political journey he envisioned.

¶ 02 On today’s Bill, we heard many views—even from the Opposition—about its special nature and importance.

¶ 03 For a long time, politicians in Sri Lanka were portrayed, nationally and internationally, as corrupt, fraudulent, and thieving. In art, media, and public discourse, the archetype of the Sri Lankan politician was someone who enters politics to make money.

¶ 04 After the country went bankrupt in 2022, people took to the streets. A key demand was to recover stolen assets and return them to the people. That was not merely rhetoric; it arose organically from the people’s realization that those who ruled plundered what belonged to the people and enriched themselves, bringing the nation to ruin. Many points and figures were cited earlier.

¶ 05 Consider many long-standing Members, including some still in the Opposition: what was their status when they entered politics? What did they own? What do they own now? Common sense shows that these are not assets one can acquire with a standard MP’s income. This is evident from village to national level.

¶ 06 Some say laws already existed. Since 1994, the leaders of that Hon. Member’s party were in multiple Cabinets. If laws existed, they should have been enforced. We do not believe they were adequate. From the outset, our Government prioritized this Bill because it aligns with our policies and promises.

¶ 07 The IMF’s 2023 Diagnostic Report recommended such a law—not just for economic measures, but for governance. To stop a nation’s collapse, one must end corrupt governance and close the pipelines of plunder. This Bill presents measures to do that. It was slated for April 2024, not April 2025. We believe strongly—indeed the President often said—“thieves do not catch thieves.” In an environment where all steal together, no one catches another; laws are not made to stop it. So do not say “we too tried.” Those who govern must act. You should not wait for the IMF to tell you; still, even after IMF recommendation, it took a year to bring it. Our Government, however, treated it as a priority and brought it swiftly. There is a strong connection between our policies and this Bill—a big pillar to recover the nation’s stolen assets.

¶ 08 A politics filled with corruption and fraud ruined this country. Enforcing the law robustly on assets unlawfully acquired by politicians and others is essential. We believe this Bill will play a decisive role. Whatever critics say, today we have done it. The NPP Government has brought this forward.