Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage has responded to recent reports about his assets, clarifying that the money in his bank accounts includes funds gifted to his daughter.

“I saw reports based on the asset and liability declaration of mine that I have around Rs. 2.2 million in bank accounts and a plot of land worth Rs. 2.4 million. I want to set the record straight,” Hewage said.

He explained that a significant portion of the money in the bank was received as contributions during a ceremonial function for his daughter on 1 January.

“I have documented records of who contributed and how much. The funds in the bank belong to my daughter, and anyone is welcome to verify this,” he said.

Hewage further noted that the land mentioned in the reports had been purchased before he entered politics.

“We are not beggars. I completed my degree, worked as a government teacher, and bought this 10-perch land during that time,” he emphasised.