• SJB queries how crypto currency was gained, funds earned

Noting that it has been revealed that certain ministers own crypto currency, the main Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) stressed the need to ensure transparency regarding such forms of currency. 

SJB Gampaha Seat Organiser Waruna Deeptha Rajapaksha raised these concerns in a context where details of the assets and liabilities of a number of key politicians, especially those in the governing party, went viral on social media platforms this week.

“Certain ministers have used crypto currency as their investments. However, crypto currency is not legally recognised in Sri Lanka. There is no legal barrier to keeping crypto currency. But, it cannot be used for currency exchanges or for transactions,” he said during a press briefing held yesterday (18), adding that if someone has crypto currency as an asset, information should be presented including about how it was gained and how the necessary funds were earned.

In the event of the failure to do that, he noted, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has the powers to investigate such matters. He added that it is the CIABOC’s duty to probe whether crypto currency is being possessed in accordance with the law.