Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa has called on the government to safeguard the country’s long-standing tradition of religious coexistence, warning against attempts to politicize faith and create divisions among communities.
Speaking at a public meeting in Thambuttegama, Rajapaksa stressed that religious pilgrimages undertaken by people across the country should not be misinterpreted as acts of racism or extremism.
He said it was unfair to brand Southerners as racists for visiting Jaffna for spiritual purposes, or to accuse Northerners of racism when they travel to Kataragama for worship.
“Religious devotion should never be confused with racism. When people travel to sacred places across the country, they do so out of faith and belief, not hatred or prejudice,” Rajapaksa said.
Pointing out that Buddhists visit Nagadeepa, Catholics go to Madhu Church and Hindus make pilgrimages to Kataragama, he said such practices demonstrate the multi-religious character of Sri Lankan society.
Rajapaksa emphasized that Sri Lanka has historically been a nation where all religions are respected and protected. “There is no religious conflict in our country today. All faiths coexist peacefully because this society was built on the foundation of Buddhist culture that respects other beliefs,” he noted.
Commenting on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visits to Jaffna, Rajapaksa said political leaders should use such opportunities to strengthen unity rather than fuel mistrust.
“I will never go to any village to spread hatred. What this country needs is a political culture that brings people together, not one that divides communities for narrow political gain,” he said.
Turning to national issues, Rajapaksa accused the government of failing to address the economic hardships faced by the public. He criticized the rising tax burden, lack of support for farmers and fishermen, and what he called an increasing dependence on imported food items.
“Instead of empowering local agriculture, the government is encouraging a culture of importing vegetables, fruits and rice. This is weakening our rural economy and hurting ordinary people,” he charged.
He also called for a stronger and impartial approach to combating organized crime and drug trafficking, warning that criminals cannot be eliminated if they receive political protection.
Rajapaksa concluded by urging the government to focus on development and reconciliation rather than promoting policies that create discord among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
