Former Minister claims the government is fuelling religious division, undermining independent institutions, and pushing a new anti-terror bill that could silence media and dissent.
Former Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa has raised serious concerns over what he describes as a growing climate of religious and ethnic tension under the current administration. Speaking to the media in Kandy, he questioned whether the government is deliberately creating instability by promoting narratives that deepen division.
Referring to incidents in Trincomalee and Tissa Viharaya, Rajapaksa said such matters could be resolved with a single phone call if there was genuine political will. Instead, he alleged, delays are allowing tensions to escalate and suspicion to grow.
He further claimed that political activists linked to the Compass movement had, over the years, planted seeds of hatred across the country and were now witnessing the consequences. According to him, institutions such as the Police and the Attorney General’s Department are unable to function independently, as key decisions are influenced by political pressure. While he maintained that the guilty must be arrested, he opposed what he termed the selective targeting of politicians.
Rajapaksa also criticised remarks that demean those who worship trees, stone, or wooden idols as “tribals,” asking whether millions of voters should be labelled in such a manner. He drew attention to the proposed anti-terrorism bill, arguing that leaders who once rejected such legislation are now promoting a draft that could restrict media freedom and civil liberties. Controlling the media, he warned, ultimately weakens democracy and public freedom.
