Chandana Sooriyaarachchi says school event criticism is misplaced, insisting he shared new knowledge and values with students despite disruption.
Government Parliamentarian Chandana Sooriyaarachchi has defended his actions following criticism over a school event that reportedly disrupted educational activities, insisting that his visit reflected a new political culture rather than the old practice of using schools for political purposes.
The controversy emerged after a journalist questioned the MP at the conclusion of a function held at a school where educational activities had reportedly been suspended for more than three hours to accommodate the event.
Responding to the criticism, Sooriyaarachchi said his political movement had rejected the culture practiced by previous rulers who, according to him, misused schools and children as tools to promote their political agendas.
The Parliamentarian maintained that his presence at the school should not be viewed through the lens of traditional political activity, arguing instead that his visit was intended to provide students with valuable knowledge and a different perspective on social and civic responsibility.
Addressing questions from the media after the event, Sooriyaarachchi stated that the responsibility of leading and coordinating development initiatives within a region ultimately rests with elected political authorities. He noted that he had fulfilled that responsibility through his involvement in the school programme.
The MP further emphasized that political leaders have a duty to engage with communities and institutions in their respective areas, particularly when initiatives connected to development and public welfare are being undertaken.
Although reports indicated that normal teaching activities had been interrupted for several hours while the function was conducted, Sooriyaarachchi argued that the value of the engagement should not be measured solely by the temporary disruption.
According to him, the speeches and discussions conducted during the programme exposed students to new ideas, fresh knowledge, and different attitudes that could contribute positively to their future development.
He stressed that what took place represented a departure from the political culture traditionally associated with schools and public institutions.
Rather than using the occasion to promote partisan politics, Sooriyaarachchi said he sought to share perspectives and lessons that would encourage students to think differently and develop broader outlooks.
The Parliamentarian maintained that providing young people with knowledge and values was an important part of building a healthier society and that such engagement should be viewed within that context.
He also reiterated that his party had consistently opposed the practice of exploiting educational institutions for political gain, adding that the approach taken by his political movement differed significantly from methods employed by previous administrations.
The comments came after questions were raised regarding whether it was appropriate for school activities to be suspended for an extended period to facilitate a political event.
However, Sooriyaarachchi insisted that the programme reflected a new approach to political engagement and public service, one focused on education, awareness, and social development rather than political propaganda.
He concluded by emphasizing that the knowledge and attitudes shared with students during the event represented what he described as a new political culture, and not a continuation of practices associated with past governments.
