SLPP National Organiser and Opposition Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa claimed that a double standard exists in how wealth is perceived in politics, alleging that assets held by Government figures are described as ‘social capital’, while those linked to the Opposition are labelled as “theft.”

He made these remarks while addressing the media after attending a religious programme at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

Rajapaksa said that he is currently studying the concept of “social capital” and criticised what he described as selective narratives targeting Opposition politicians and civil servants. “If someone in the Government has assets, it is called social capital. If someone in the Opposition has assets, it is called theft,” he said.

Rajapaksa also referred to past allegations made against Opposition figures, including claims involving luxury assets and large sums of money, noting that many such accusations remain unproven.

He further alleged irregularities linked to current Government dealings, including a coal procurement process, and claimed that the financial burden of such decisions ultimately falls on the public through rising electricity and fuel costs.

He said that political decisions should prioritise protecting the public from social disasters and warned that the failure to do so would place additional strain on citizens already facing economic challenges.