
Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe has revealed that only a tiny handful of government members are actively representing the administration in the media and on social platforms making them prime targets for relentless public ridicule.
Speaking during a discussion on an online channel, Abeysinghe claimed that out of 159 Members of Parliament, just 15 including himself are regularly active on social media and face the media spotlight. “Very few in this government can answer for everything,” he said, pointing to a lack of visibility and accountability among the majority.
Abeysinghe noted that the burden of public scrutiny falls disproportionately on this small group, who are often expected to respond on behalf of the entire government. As a result, they have become the focus of online criticism and mockery.
“Only fifteen of us are on social media. That’s why we’re the ones getting hammered,” he said. “Even President Anura Dissanayake is being turned into a joke now.”
He further pointed out that within the National People’s Power (NPP), only he and MP Lakmali Hemachandra are visibly engaging with the public online. According to Abeysinghe, this limited digital presence is part of the reason why criticism is so concentrated on such a small group.
“I’m being attacked severely on social media,” he added, reflecting on the pressure of being one of the few public faces defending the administration during turbulent times.
As public discourse shifts more aggressively to digital platforms, Abeysinghe’s comments raise serious questions about the government’s communication strategy and whether its silence is costing it more than it realizes.