Sugeeshwara Bandara questions minister Lal Kantha's wealth

Leader of the Nava Janatha Peramuna, Sugeeshwara Bandara, along with party members, visited the residence of Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha in Welivita, Kaduwela this morning (18).

The group claimed they arrived for a traditional New Year visit, bringing items such as clothes, curd, honey, rice, and coconuts.

Speaking to the media, Sugeeshwara Bandara alleged that 38 ministers of the NPP government have commenced the construction of luxury mansions similar to the Minister's current residence.

He stated that despite the public perception of the Minister as an honest man, the acquisition of such assets requires a presidential commission of inquiry to investigate illegal wealth accumulated during the NPP's tenure.

Bandara claimed the Minister's two-story bungalow, located in a prime Kaduwela location where land exceeds Rs. 5 million per perch, likely cost over Rs. 100 million to build.

He questioned how the Minister, who previously claimed he could not afford tuition for his children as a JVP full-timer and lacked assets when entering parliament, now possesses assets worth Rs. 470 million.

The party leader further alleged the Minister failed to declare this specific property in his asset declarations.

He called for the Minister's immediate resignation, suggesting the wealth may have come from betraying trade union struggles or intimidation.

Bandara warned that if the Minister does not resign, the party would launch a protest movement at the site, noting that 38 other NPP leaders are reportedly building similar homes.