Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a hard-hitting statement on the violence in Nepal, blaming social media giants, failed governance, and reckless decisions for plunging the Himalayan nation into chaos.
My attention has been drawn to the grave situation unfolding in Kathmandu, Nepal. Several media outlets have inquired about it.
First of all, I strongly condemn all killings that have taken place in Nepal, especially those of young people.
The burning of the former Prime Minister’s residence and the murder of his wife is an immensely tragic event. I express my deep regret over this brutal act. Likewise, the assault on ministers, particularly the Foreign Minister, is another shocking extension of this tragedy. These actions have gravely violated women’s rights and severely tarnished Nepal’s reputation. Such acts are a disgrace to the nation.
The situation in Kathmandu should never have escalated to this extent. The decision to fire on protesters was unacceptable. According to reliable sources, the unrest could have been contained without the use of live ammunition on the first day.
The dangers of such events must be recognized. The fact that global social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube have been exploited as tools to overthrow governments across the world cannot be overlooked.
Nepal has long faced unresolved political and social problems. Successive governments failed to address them, choosing instead to engage in short-term politics according to South Asian tradition. This negligence has caused deep frustration among the younger generation. The blanket ban on social media, imposed without safeguards, was the spark that ignited the crisis.
The burning of parliament and judicial buildings represents a severe insult to democracy. These institutions are pillars of governance, not because of the individuals inside them, but because of the democratic values they symbolize.
Ultimately, what remains is a Nepal without a functioning constitution. It is now the responsibility of the military, which has assumed power, to restore peace and ensure elections are held in accordance with the constitution.
Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, holds special significance for Sri Lanka. To witness such barbaric acts in this land is deeply troubling. It is also clear that the incompetence of state governance has contributed heavily to this disaster.
Lord Buddha taught us to gather in harmony, to discuss in harmony, and to disperse in harmony. I hope that the present leadership of Nepal will embrace the “Seven Innocent Dhamma” preached by the Buddha as a guiding principle to heal and rebuild.
Ranil Wickremesinghe
VIIIth Executive President
2025.09.10
