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MPs must declare assets to counter corruption allegations: Tharaka Balasuriya 

07 Apr 2022

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya said that MPs must declare their assets and income in Parliament if they are to refute widespread public allegations of corruption. Speaking in Parliament yesterday (7), he said: “I have a few suggestions to make, which I feel would address the current allegations made by citizens of this country. Firstly, why can’t all Parliamentarians have their assets and income audited and declared in Parliament? This can be presented to the Secretary, who will then produce it before Parliament annually. If we haven’t stolen, I see no reason why we should be afraid.  “Secondly, why can’t we decide upon an unbiased and neutral Cabinet so that decisions can be made without people’s allegations of one family making decisions. I clearly understand that the people are referring to the Rajapaksa family, but if we have a neutral Cabinet, we would not have to face accusations.” He further referred to a law in Nepal, which has an age cap on parliamentarians. “In Nepal, only people between the age of 25 and 65 years of age can be in Parliament. Reshuffling Parliament time and time again with the same people is not a solution. If a politician has been trying hard for 40 years to change a country’s policy, I see no scope for them if they are trying to remain in politics for another 20 years trying to make a change. Also, we must be mindful of who is elected to run ministries and if or not they are capable of doing so,” Balasuriya added. He added that if politicians are to continue in politics, they should be sensitive to the aforementioned points and only do what is right for the sake of the country.


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