A fiery statement from a Jaffna MP has reignited debate on war memory, heroism, and identity, blurring lines between faith, conflict, and politics in post war Sri Lanka.
Jaffna District Parliamentarian Ramanathan Archuna has sparked widespread controversy after declaring that Velupillai Prabhakaran is his god, while also stating that Sri Lankan soldiers can be described as war heroes. He made these remarks while addressing the media, drawing strong reactions across the political spectrum.
“I call Prabhakaran my god. It hasn’t stopped. I’m not afraid to call the army men war heroes. I’m not ashamed to call them war heroes. It’s the people in this government who can’t be called war heroes. I don’t have that disease. I have enough backbone to be called war heroes.”
Archuna said Sri Lanka experienced a conflict between two communities and acknowledged that reality openly. However, he argued that those who sacrificed their lives to save others, regardless of whether they were Tamil or Sinhala, should be regarded with reverence.
“There was a conflict between two races in this country. That’s true. But aren’t the people who sacrifice their lives to save our lives, regardless of Tamil or Sinhala, gods?”
He rejected accusations of racial or religious bias, saying he does not differentiate between communities. He also referred to his recent visit to the Malwathu and Asgiri monasteries, where he tied a Pirith thread on his wrist.
“I have never been against the culture or Buddhism of the Sinhalese people. But we can have criticism of the government that oppresses us.”
Archuna added that while he respects individuals who help the people, he refuses to publicly praise political leaders he believes are responsible for oppression.
