A significant controversy has erupted within the National People’s Power (NPP) over allegations of “stepmotherly treatment” directed at Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, a key political activist of the party. The uproar stems from his asset declaration under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, where, unlike other NPP MPs declaring assets worth millions, many property and income columns in Mr. Nipun Arachchi’s statement for the Colombo district are conspicuously left blank, marked only with a dash.
“How Unlucky is Lucky?”
The issue was further highlighted by author Manjula Wediwardena’s newspaper article titled “How Unlucky is Lucky?” (referring to ‘Lucky,’ a nickname for Lakshman Nipun Arachchi). The article reveals that Mr. Nipun Arachchi’s asset declaration confirms he possesses no houses, vehicles, estates, or monthly income typically expected of a Member of Parliament.
Personal Sacrifices Unappreciated by the Party
For nearly three decades, Mr. Nipun Arachchi has served as a full-time activist for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), sacrificing business opportunities and even donating his official salary to the party. Manjula Wediwardena suggests that Mr. Nipun Arachchi’s asset declaration is a “time bomb” aimed at the party’s leadership, which he describes as having a “game-playing, double-faced life.”
Accusations are mounting that Mr. Nipun Arachchi, despite his seniority, sacrifices, and dedication to noble social causes, has been entirely overlooked for positions and responsibilities that should be his due based on his political history. His friends reportedly state that had he not entered politics, he might have become a talented dramatist or a successful businessman today.
This situation has sparked a debate among party members, suggesting a conflict between individual strength and loyalty even within a party that claims to champion proletarian politics. Political analyst and senior political science lecturer Hemapriya Kaviratne has also weighed in on the incident, elaborating on the political discussion that arose from Mr. Nipun Arachchi’s asset declaration. He emphasized the necessity of treating politics as a profession and highlighted the “left-wing hypocrisy” evident within the party.