A disturbing series of events, symbols, and silences is fuelling fears that Sri Lanka’s state institutions, cultural foundations, and accountability mechanisms are being deliberately eroded.
The state emblem displayed on the website of the Ministry of Public Security became a major topic of discussion on social media yesterday. Instead of the traditional lion holding a sword, a different sacrificial image was visible, and instead of the Dharma Chakra, what appeared to be a vehicle alloy wheel was displayed.
Is this even possible?
When will the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security go to the CID to lodge a complaint regarding this matter? When will the Prime Minister meet the Mahanayake Theras and say, “We placed it like that, but we did not expect people to notice it”?
The website of the Ministry of Public Security is currently inactive and, as far as we know, has been so since April 24 of last year, nearly nine months ago. If that is the case, one must question the responsibility and accountability of a key ministry entrusted with national security.
The state emblem is comparable to the Bible of state administration. It is not merely an image. Every element of it carries meaning and authority.
I recall a personal experience related to this. When I once visited the Ministry of Defence to hand over documents to then State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon regarding a school matter, he stopped me before taking a photograph and said, “Brother, come here for a moment. It is not good to take a picture with your back to the state emblem.” That was the respect he showed the symbol of the state.
Just as we avoid turning our backs to a Buddha statue when taking photographs, that same reverence should naturally extend to the state emblem.
Today, education is being undermined by the inclusion of inappropriate websites in school textbooks. Colours associated with homosexuality are being introduced into school materials. The Ministry of Buddhist Affairs is being weakened in a Buddhist country. An all religious structure is being introduced, with a person of another religion appointed as deputy minister. Even the Minister of Culture faces allegations of heresy.
Reports have emerged of police removing Buddha statues in the dead of night. The Dharma Chakra has been replaced with the Ashoka Chakra in textbooks. The Dalada exposition is being shaped according to political agendas. Buddha statues are being removed from municipal buildings. History and aesthetics are disappearing from school curricula. The Ministry of Tourism is accused of promoting homosexuality in its publications.
Even the Pirith thread tied at temples is reportedly removed and discarded once the Head of State leaves. The President and Prime Minister face allegations of sexual misconduct. The Cardinal has publicly accused the government of interference and of promoting homosexuality.
These cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents. The sequence clearly suggests a carefully planned pattern. A systematic effort to dismantle the state by weakening its institutions, values, education system, Buddhism, and cultural identity appears to be underway.
State control is rapidly shifting away from accountable governance. Responsibility is disappearing. Ministers and MPs are absolved, while state officials are blamed. A dangerous tradition is taking root where no one is held accountable for grave mistakes.
The ultimate objective seems clear: the destruction of the state.
Can we truly expect a different outcome when a group that once attempted to dismantle the state by destroying identity systems, bombing sacred sites, assassinating leaders, and attacking national institutions now holds power?
I leave both the question and the answer to the intelligent people of this country. I repeat, intelligent people.
Quoted by :- Nilantha Sathsara Gamage Facebook page
PS:- The incorrect logo has now been removed.
