-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -20.June.2025, 11.00 PM) In a development that could prove seismic for Sri Lanka’s political establishment, 28 current and former political heavyweights, including sitting Members of Parliament and ex-ministers, are now under formal investigation by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The probe centres on allegations that these individuals have amassed vast amounts of property and wealth through illicit means.
Significantly, the name of former Army Commander General Shavendra Silva also appears on the confidential list now circulating through legal and media circles, suggesting that the reach of this probe could extend far beyond traditional political corridors.
The investigations follow a string of public complaints and whistleblower disclosures claiming that several of these individuals purchased high-value properties using funds whose origins cannot be lawfully explained.
According to CID insiders, investigators are focusing on whether the assets held by these individuals vastly exceed their known sources of income—a classic trigger for “illicit enrichment” inquiries. This type of investigation, which follows international anti-corruption norms, requires subjects to justify the provenance of wealth under suspicion. Failing to do so may result in seizure of assets and criminal prosecution.
Among those currently under scrutiny are some of the most recognisable names in Sri Lankan politics. The CID's asset probe reportedly includes:
Namal Rajapaksa (MP, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa)
Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena (Speaker of Parliament)
Mahinda Amaraweera (MP, former Minister)
Chamara Sampath Dassanayake (MP)
Rohitha Abeygunawardena (MP)
Pavithra Wanniarachchi (MP)
Kanchana Wijesekera (Minister of Power and Energy)
Sagala Ratnayaka (Chief of Staff to the President)
Janaka Tissakutti Arachchi (MP)
Wajira Abeywardena (MP)
Imithiyaz Bakeer Markkar (Former Cabinet Minister)
Maheepala Herath, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, and Manusha Nanayakkara, among others.
The list also includes politicians from various factions of the opposition and governing alliances, such as Harsha de Silva, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan), and Shanta Abeysekara.
The inclusion of General Shavendra Silva, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army and a figure internationally controversial for his alleged role during the final stages of the civil war, has raised eyebrows. The Illegal Assets Investigation Division is said to be examining a portfolio of real estate and financial holdings linked to Silva and close associates.
An official speaking on condition of anonymity stated:
“If any of these individuals are found to have purchased property using funds that cannot be substantiated with legal earnings or declared income, the Division will proceed with appropriate judicial asset seizures and potential indictments.”
In a parallel but related development, Viranjith Thambugala, the flamboyant Chairman of Avurudu Lanka Holdings, has been summoned by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division. Thambugala is known to claim ownership of a vast portfolio of wealth yet is allegedly unable to provide evidence of the income source that supports such financial expansion.
This week, the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court issued an order directing Thambugala to appear before the Division and cooperate fully with inquiries. While not a public official, his case has drawn interest due to his proximity to several individuals in political and military circles.
Formed in accordance with Sri Lanka’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the Illegal Assets Investigation Division is a specialised CID branch mandated to investigate “unexplained wealth” among public officials, military officers, and politically exposed persons (PEPs).
Under Sri Lankan law, burden of proof can shift to the accused when there is a prima facie case of excessive wealth accumulation, especially when that person has wielded public office or exercised state power.
Already, speculation is rife in Colombo’s political circles about the motives and timing of this investigation. With parliamentary elections on the horizon and the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) coalition attempting to signal a break from decades of entrenched corruption, the probe is being seen both as a high-stakes gamble and a test of judicial independence.
“It is an acid test,” said legal analyst Manori Jayasinghe.
“If this government follows through—without favour or political compromise—it could reshape public trust in governance. If not, it will only entrench cynicism.”
The list includes some of the wealthiest and most influential figures in Sri Lanka’s political establishment—many of whom have previously faced allegations of corruption but have evaded serious consequence due to the institutional culture of impunity.
Namal Rajapaksa, for instance, has long faced scrutiny over his ownership of real estate and foreign bank accounts, though he has consistently denied wrongdoing. His inclusion signals that the net may finally be tightening on the once-untouchables.
Similarly, senior MPs such as Mahinda Amaraweera and Wajira Abeywardena have been career politicians for over two decades, with asset declarations that have not matched their apparent wealth accumulation, according to civil society watchdogs.
Critics also point out the interconnectedness of political families, where wealth flows laterally across siblings, spouses, and cousins—all while official declarations remain suspiciously modest.
This case may finally push for the implementation of a long-delayed law on asset transparency for Members of Parliament, a campaign repeatedly promised by successive governments, yet never delivered.
According to legal procedure, once investigators confirm a lack of lawful explanation for the origin of certain properties or bank holdings, the State can initiate civil asset recovery proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime framework.
Sources say the Attorney General’s Department has already been briefed, and preliminary legal dockets are being drafted for those who are likely to face court within the next 3 to 6 months.
The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) both issued statements welcoming the investigation, but demanded full public disclosure of asset declarations going forward.
TISL’s Director of Legal Reform, Vishaka Welikala, said:
“This probe is just the beginning. The real test will be whether powerful political families are brought before the courts, not just trotted out for headlines.”
The inclusion of General Silva has also reopened discussions about financial accountability within the defence establishment, particularly in light of massive military landholdings, procurement contracts, and foreign aid disbursement during his tenure.
A former army officer who declined to be named stated:
“The military is not above scrutiny. In fact, given the budgets they manage and the strategic importance of their influence, they should be more transparent than ever before.”
The CID is expected to summon each individual named for formal questioning, and investigators will examine property deeds, bank records, offshore transactions, and nominee arrangements.
Insiders suggest that digital evidence, whistleblower tips, and international banking trails may prove crucial in tracing unexplained wealth, particularly if funds were routed through Swiss, Dubai, or Singaporean financial institutions—all common destinations for hidden South Asian capital.
With public trust in Sri Lanka’s political elite at a historic low following years of financial mismanagement, debt crises, and allegations of grand corruption, this investigation marks a rare moment of hope for systemic accountability.
But the road ahead is fraught with resistance. Many on the list still hold sway within their parties and command loyalty from bureaucrats. Whether the government will have the political courage to see this probe through to legal conclusion remains to be seen.
For now, a message has been sent—no longer, perhaps, are even the most powerful safe from scrutiny.
-By A Special Correspondent
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by (2025-06-20 18:18:03)
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