Sri Lankan politicians have refused to return billions of dollars they have stolen over 50 years. These funds are believed to be scattered across countries with confidential banking. The money is the fruit of bribes, kickbacks and misuse of public funds that is the default of Sri Lankan politics. The combination of foreign aid, the veil of “national security”, and access to easy international loans made looting easier. The Pandora Papers leak gives a peek into the extent of wealth stashed away by politicians of past political dynasties and their patronage networks of supporters.
Yet there is no mass public outcry. Journalists may occasionally publish the details at their peril. However, voters have shrugged off such claims. Sri Lanka is, after all, at its heart, has always been a feudal monarchy. There is a tacit acceptance that rulers have a right to help themselves to public funds. The king and his retainers will have his palace and his jewels. Lesser retainers might get a clerkship in a government office. The colonial DNA of the Sri Lanka state is geared build around looting.
For decades the cost of corruption was never clearly apparent. There was always a convenient war to blame. When that went, beating up a convenient minority was more exciting than the foggy blandness of secret offshore banks. Even in the current crisis, the idea that money skimmed by politicians decades ago will leave their secret accounts to save the country seems fanciful. Deep in our hearts, we know that no politician will even consider the idea.
Such acceptance has emboldened the ALCPA (All Lanka Corrupt Politicians Association). It has issued a statement that its members will “NEVER” return any funds they rightfully took. At the recent news conference via Zoom, ALCPA spokesperson Muthra Asuchigoda was outraged at the suggestion.
Not everyone can get a money-making ministry with big projects. Some of us have sacrificed time from managing lucrative heroin and cocaine dealerships for public service. Others have to horde and resell essential goods to go on a sex holiday. We deserve to keep our hard-won gains. If taxi drivers have to wait in line for petrol – they should. We are serving the country. So we should get free fuel for our jeeps. If people don’t like that, they should just beat up some Muslims…
The rest of Mr. Asuchigoda’s is lost as his fist thumping cut the Zoom call.
However, the statement has dashed hopes that these hidden funds may be used to rescue the country from its current economic predicament.
Cerno 
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