When preachers and sinners switch roles

Former ministers and their associates are facing legal repercussions for their alleged misconduct, with several high-profile cases making headlines. Prasanna Ranatunga, a former minister, has been given until February 2027 to pay off a 25-million-rupee fine stemming from an extortion case from 2015. In that incident, he allegedly demanded 64 million rupees from a businessman and received 15 million rupees.

Maheepala Herath, a former Chief Minister, settled a 1.17 million rupee fine for misusing excess fuel. Namal Rajapaksa, an SLPP National Organiser and MP, faces indictment by the Attorney General in connection with an Airbus transaction. Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, a former State Minister and Badulla District MP, has been further remanded until November 10 for allegedly accepting bribes of 8.4 million rupees.

These cases have come to light following the 2015 regime change, and proceedings seem to be moving swiftly under the current administration. Some argue that the JVP-NPP administration has restored the rule of law, but critics point out that those who were once the most equal before the law are now facing consequences for their actions.

The fraudulent coal procurement deal has resulted in billions of rupees of loss to the state, but no arrests have been made despite credible evidence. The Norochcholai power complex's generation shortfall, which led to oil-fired power plants operating overtime, is also attributed to the use of low-grade coal. The release of 323 red-flagged shipping containers from the Colombo Port without customs inspections remains under investigation, with accusations of a cover-up.

Alleged unexplained assets among government officials have raised suspicions. The Opposition claims to have lodged complaints with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) but no action has been taken. They also criticize the government for attempting to cover up the questionable release of shipping containers.

The cycle of corruption and political hypocrisy continues, with opposition preachers becoming sinners when they come to power, and ruling-party sinners turning into preachers once they lose power. The country's history shows that corruption and political violence thrived during previous administrations, despite their promises to eliminate these issues. The question remains: who guards the guards themselves?