Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara Accuses Opposition of Using Religion and Culture to Distract from Allegations of Wrongdoing

Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara has accused the Opposition of using Buddhism and cultural issues to divert public attention from allegations of corruption and misconduct.

Speaking to the media in Colombo, Gunasekara said those who had contributed to damaging Buddhism and the country's culture were now making accusations against the Government.

He also criticised former minister Udaya Gammanpila, accusing him of spreading false information by claiming that the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa was at risk of collapsing.

Gunasekara said the Government had been in power for two years and recalled that the Opposition had previously warned that temples and churches would disappear if the present administration came to power.

He claimed that the public had understood the allegations levelled against the Government and accused Opposition politicians of attempting to conceal alleged corruption, violence and other wrongdoing by raising issues relating to religion and culture.

Addressing concerns over two proposed pieces of legislation, Gunasekara said similar laws had existed in the country during the past two years and questioned whether the Government had used them to suppress public protests or fire tear gas at people.

He acknowledged that the proposed legislation had sparked public debate, but said the provisions could be discussed in Parliament and challenged before the courts.

He also questioned whether the country should not take action against organised criminal groups and underworld networks.

However, Gunasekara stressed that the Government's progress depended not on the power of legislation but on the strength and trust of the people.

He further accused the Opposition of repeatedly criticising President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and making allegations against the Government. He said the President had maintained that Opposition politicians were free to make whatever criticisms they wished.

Gunasekara also alleged that some Opposition figures were using religious and ethnic issues to spread division, adding that those who were loudly raising such matters should be mindful of possible legal proceedings against them.