Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security, Wasantha Samarasinghe, has defended his declaration of assets and liabilities, saying that the Rs. 275 million worth of assets listed in his declaration consists of family inheritance and assets he developed through years of business and investment.

Speaking during a live political talk show last night (15), Wasantha Samarasinghe said that the public has a right to question how politicians acquire their wealth and that he has nothing to hide. “I have provided my declaration of assets and liabilities as required by law, and it is now published on the website of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. This is transparency. Some are criticising on social media, but I have a responsibility to explain my side,” he said.

The Minister detailed how he began his entrepreneurial journey, starting from conducting tuition classes in Thambuththegama in the late 1990s, eventually building one of the town’s largest commercial buildings. “I started classes under a cadjan roof and developed it step by step over nearly three decades. Today, it’s a three-storey building that is rented out and generates a significant income,” he explained.

Samarasinghe said that aside from rental income, he has invested in the stock market, solar power projects, and even engaged in cryptocurrency trading with his son during the COVID-19 lockdown period. He stressed that none of these assets were acquired through public funds.

Wasantha Samarasinghe’s officially declared assets include:

• A commercial building valued at Rs. 150 million
• A three-storey commercial property valued at Rs. 75 million
• A house valued at Rs. 10 million
• Two 30KW solar power units worth Rs. 6.5 million
• 17.5 pounds of gold worth Rs. 4.5 million
• A Toyota Prius valued at Rs. 15 million
• Fixed deposits and savings totalling nearly Rs. 2 million
• 21,000 shares in LOLC worth Rs. 12 million
• Cryptocurrency holdings valued at USD 3,000

He also reported annual income from rent, business ventures, and solar power amounting to over Rs. 15 million.

“I have been involved in business since my school days. I even traded goods on buses back then. I know every aspect of running a business, from working in the shop kitchen to managing the front end. I continue to do farming, although I had to pause some activities recently due to time constraints. The important thing is, I have never used public money to build my wealth. My conscience is clear,” he emphasised.

Wasantha Samarasinghe, who is also a former trade union leader representing apparel sector workers, added that his assets would eventually be passed on to his children. “Everything is declared — even my wife’s jewellery, our wedding rings, and inherited property. There is nothing hidden,” he said.