The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has taken transparency to a whole new level by publishing the asset declarations of all 39 presidential candidates on its official website.
Starting at the top of the wealth chain, we have the tycoon Dilith Jayaweera, who’s decided to run under the Communist Party of Sri Lanka. Yes, you heard that right—a multimillionaire communist. With a monthly income of Rs. 16.5 million, he’s living the socialist dream in his luxury apartment at One Galle Face. Between his shares in various businesses and Rs. 30 million worth of jewellery, one wonders if he’s planning to lead the revolution in a gold-plated suit.
Then there’s Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, the former Justice Minister who’s bringing in Rs. 1,345,000 a month. While that might sound modest compared to our socialist tycoon, Rajapakshe’s assets include a Toyota V8 jeep, a nine-acre coconut plantation, and a property worth Rs. 40 million. Clearly, he’s been squirrelling away more than just justice.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have President Ranil Wickremesinghe, With a monthly salary of Rs. 97,500 and a parliamentary pension of Rs. 82,191.66, his total monthly earnings of Rs. 177,316 are the lowest among the top contenders. At least he’s got some gold worth Rs. 325,000 and three properties to keep him company on those long, cold nights.
Namal Rajapaksa, scion of the Rajapaksa dynasty, brings in a respectable Rs. 54,285 from his parliamentary gig, topped up by an additional Rs. 400,000 in allowances. His assets are a curious mix of luxury and debt—a collection of luxury vehicles received as wedding gifts (because who needs toasters?), and loans totaling over Rs. 200 million. It seems like he’s living the high life on credit.
Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is taking a more middle-class approach with a monthly income of Rs. 285,681.14. His modest cash savings of Rs. 78,000 might suggest frugality, but his fleet of vehicles and a house in Rajagiriya say otherwise. He’s clearly a man who likes his wheels.
Meanwhile, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People’s Power is sticking to his roots with a humble income of Rs. 54,285 and an allowance of Rs. 202,517.34. His assets, including a Toyota Hilux Double Cab and a house in his wife’s name, suggest that he’s ready to lead the people with practicality and a good bit of marital savvy.
Finally, we have Sarath Fonseka, former Army Commander, with a monthly income of Rs. 320,000. His wife seems to be holding the fort with Rs. 30 million invested in a hotel, while Fonseka himself boasts two houses and some land. Clearly, this general knows how to strategize, both on and off the battlefield.
And let’s not forget entrepreneur Janaka Ratnayake, who’s got a Porsche Jeep and a Benz, along with four properties and gold and watches worth Rs. 65 million. He’s clearly not just running for president; he’s racing for it.
