Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the country is currently facing numerous challenges, while the social discipline, morality, and civility expected of a developing nation are gradually eroding.
He alleged that certain Members of Parliament and ministers, who were entrusted with responsibilities through the people’s vote, are now insulting religious leaders, harassing them, challenging them, and using derogatory language — including references to wild animals — to demean them. He further claimed that religious leaders are being targeted and attacked in this manner.
The Opposition Leader emphasized that the Constitution affirms that religious leaders of all faiths must be accorded due respect within society, and that citizens must learn to treat them with dignity. He noted that protecting and nurturing the Buddha Sasana is a responsibility shared by both citizens and the government. At the same time, he stressed that other religions and cultures must also be given their rightful place in society.
He recalled that former President Ranasinghe Premadasa established a Ministry of Buddha Sasana as well as a State Ministry for other religions as part of a national policy framework. While it is the duty of the State to safeguard all religions, he alleged that certain government ministers are now referring to members of the Maha Sangha as “savages” and insulting religious leaders, including the Maha Sangha, through social media platforms such as Facebook.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa made these remarks today while addressing a function organized by Rukshan Perera to distribute school bags to 700 schoolchildren in the Kuppiyawatta West area.
He further pointed out that some individuals who make such remarks argue that society should be secular. While acknowledging that every person has the right to practice the religion of their choice and to embrace a secular lifestyle if they so wish, he stressed that such positions should not be imposed by force. He underscored that it is the responsibility of all to ensure freedom of belief and religious practice.
Gas Shortage in the Country
The Opposition Leader also claimed that the government appears unaware of the gas shortage affecting the country. He stated that when he raised the issue in Parliament, those responsible within the government maintained that there was no shortage. However, he asserted that the public continues to suffer due to the scarcity of gas.
He urged the government to halt what he described as attacks on the Maha Sangha and to put an end to smear campaigns targeting religious leaders. Instead, he called on the authorities to focus on resolving the pressing issues faced by the country.
Garment Factories Closing Down
Premadasa further alleged that the government’s response to the gas shortage demonstrates arrogance, incompetence, and an inability to effectively address national issues.
He pointed out that even garment factories established under the “200 Garment Factories Programme” initiated by Ranasinghe Premadasa are now closing. Referring to MAS Holdings, he stated that out of 96,000 employees, 26,000 are at risk of losing their jobs, and that steps are being taken to reduce the workforce by 70,000.
No Answers from the Government
The Opposition Leader noted that Sri Lanka has been producing garments for globally recognized brands due to the establishment of these factories. However, he claimed that the country is now witnessing their closure, and that the government has failed to provide solutions.
According to him, the current administration has been unable to secure reductions in American taxes and has failed to properly conduct the necessary negotiations. He alleged that those currently in power are not the ones who established these factories, but rather those who closed factories, set fires, and displaced workers, and that they lack understanding of trade agreements.
Call to Address National Issues Without Division
Premadasa further accused the government of creating ethnic and religious divisions amidst these crises, promoting conflict and division instead of unity. He urged the authorities to refrain from fostering ethnic tensions and instead focus on providing concrete solutions to the people’s needs.
He concluded by calling on the government to stop creating divisions and to address the country’s pressing economic and social challenges.
