RIT Law put to test; civil activists demand to know MPs' assets and wealth

by Sanath Nanayakkare-October 12, 2018, 8:39 pm 

'Rata Surakimu' movement has requested the Elections Commission to furnish them with information on how many Members of Parliament have declared their assets while also requesting the Department of Inland Revenue for information on how many MPs have declared their taxable incomes and keep tax records.

They have have lodged these requests under the Law of Right-to-Information (RIT).

"We have sought the same information on Western Provincial councilors initially, and will seek other provincial councilors' information in the next phase. All these politicians live on public funds and the public have a right to know about the assets they possess and enjoy, and what other incomes they earn. Then the people can judge for themselves whether their earnings justify their lifestyles or whether they live extravagantly exceeding the assets and incomes they have declared", Chrishmal Warnasuriya, National Convenor of the movement said.

"This will make people see how many of the so-called lawmakers have acted in faith of the rule of the law of the country. Once we get this information, we will publicise it. If we don't get the requested information that also will be informed to the people. Enough is enough. People should know better before they go to the polling station next time about the candidates the political parties put forward. Then they will be able to make an informed choice. We are striving hard to convince the people that what delivers optimal outcomes for the country is not image-inflated politicians but duly strengthened institutions, well thought-out policies and mechanisms", he said.

"As a collective of citizens of this Republic, we've finally decided to come together and assert our rights as the absolute sovereigns of Sri Lanka, having observed that our elected representatives upon whom we've entrusted that authority have continually abused and breached the people's mandate. We want to ensure that Sri Lanka is a country where all its people are afforded equal opportunity in a transparent political and economic system where our administration, economy, social protection and environment are protected in an ethical manner," he said.

"So many unqualified, unprepared and unsuitable individuals have assumed public office, not with the intention of public service but to enrich their own lives, their kith and kin, thus ushering in nepotism, corruption and large scale squandering of public assets. We appear to have installed 'politicians and political parties in government' over the years rather than building a state with policy and structures", he said.

"We will strive with other like-minded individuals to implement processes to ensure there is zero tolerance for corruption, combat misuse of public property and ensure that elected officials are held accountable to the people. We urge people of the country to join us and be the change they wish to see in our beloved motherland," Chrishmal said.

Several other key members of the movement belonging to sport, health and education sectors also made presentations at the media briefing.