Transparency International wants Sri Lanka’s presidential hopefuls to declare assets

ECONOMYNEXT – Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has asked Sri Lanka’s presidential hopefuls to declare their assets ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote on July 20 to elect the country’s next president.

“A call on all presidential hopefuls to publicly declare their assets to the citizens of Sri Lanka and display a personal commitment to transparency. Sri Lankans have delivered a clear message that they will no longer tolerate corrupt leaders,” TISL tweeted Monday July 18 afternoon.

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A call on all Presidential hopefuls to publicly declare their assets to the citizens of Sri Lanka and display a personal commitment to transparency.

Sri Lankans have delivered a clear message that they will no longer tolerate corrupt leaders. #lka #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/2daqJfRDIz

— Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) (@tisrilanka) July 18, 2022

“The current candidates who are long-serving members of the Sri Lankan parliament need to take new steps to bolster the faith of the people in them.

“A public declaration of assets would be one important step to demonstrate to the people their commitment to transparency and accountability. Heed the call of the citizens for clean politics, be the change the country needs,” the international corruption watchdog said.

Lawmakers in Sri Lanka are scheduled to elect the next executive president on Wednesday July 20, after ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country on July 13 and resigned following mass protests that demanded his resignation.

Four MPs have thus far announced their candidacy: Acting President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Dullas Alahapperuma, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake. (Colombo/Jul18/2022)