Mahesh Senanayake, the organizer of the People’s Power Yatinuwara, has launched a scathing attack on the current government, claiming that its level of dishonesty surpasses even that of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Speaking at a media conference, Senanayake expressed his concerns about the current state of governance and the erosion of public trust.
“The people placed their faith in the idea that the parliament should be represented by capable, ethical, and intelligent individuals,” Senanayake stated. “However, this does not mean the parliament should exclusively consist of teachers and professors. Sri Lanka has had talented politicians without doctorates who have served with discipline and integrity. There are still individuals of that caliber in the National People’s Power.”
Senanayake criticized the government’s attempts to portray itself as an assembly of intellectuals, suggesting that this image has crumbled under the weight of its dishonesty. “The National People’s Power tried to convince the public that it was backed by an intelligent group. But today, those so-called intellectuals seem to have safeguarded only their personal credentials, leaving the public disillusioned.”
He went on to argue that countries cannot thrive on falsehoods and drew comparisons between the current government and former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “Even Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who failed to manage the economy and led the country to bankruptcy, did not resort to spreading lies to this extent. The current government has shattered public trust by persistently lying to the people.”
Senanayake also raised concerns about the impact of the government’s actions on future generations’ perception of intellectuals. “Will our children and grandchildren respect intellectuals when public representatives, claiming to have doctorates, engage in deceit? This behavior undermines the credibility of educated leaders and sets a dangerous precedent for the future.”
He concluded with an appeal to the government, urging it to cease its unethical practices. “We call on the government to stop engaging in these immoral activities and to work towards restoring public trust and national integrity,” Senanayake said.
The remarks highlight growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s governance style and its perceived betrayal of public expectations.
