Jana Balaya Speakers Criticise Government’s Proposed Security Bill and Warn Against Communal Politics

The Jana Balaya movement held a media briefing at the N. M. Perera Centre in Borella on October 14, 2026, addressing several current political developments in Sri Lanka.

Topics discussed included the arrest of Chamara Sampath, the hospitalisation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa, and Mahinda Rajapaksa, a march to Colombo calling for a presidential pardon for Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, proposed changes to prison regulations concerning imprisoned Buddhist monks, and concerns surrounding the proposed legislation titled the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill (PSD).

Members of the movement also expressed their views on the potential political implications of the proposed legislation and the relationship between the Government and religious groups.

Kapila Krishantha Criticises Political Families and Religious Mobilisation

Jana Balaya executive committee member Kapila Krishantha commented on the Siriliya case, alleging that attempts were being made to evade the law through legal proceedings.

He argued that family-based politics was gradually losing its influence and referred to possible legal action against Basil Rajapaksa, including efforts to issue a red notice.

Commenting on Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, Krishantha described him as a militant monk and criticised the march organised in support of securing his release through a presidential pardon. He argued that such demonstrations should not be used to inflame communal tensions.

Krishantha also alleged that serious offences had been committed and argued that removing the robes of a monk convicted of criminal wrongdoing would be an appropriate course of action.

He referred to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s meeting with senior Buddhist clergy at the Malwathu Chapter and commented on remarks made by Wimal Weerawansa regarding what he described as a “Born Again” religious group.

Addressing the proposed PSD legislation, Krishantha said he did not agree with certain provisions that had been brought within the legal framework. He warned that implementing the bill in its current form could place organisations supporting the Government in a difficult position and potentially lead them to withdraw their support.

Nandana Weeraratne Warns Government Over Relations with Religious Groups

Another Jana Balaya executive committee member, Nandana Weeraratne, urged the Government to exercise caution in its dealings with the Buddhist clergy.

Referring to historical political events, he claimed that a Buddhist monk had been involved in the 1964 alleged coup attempt and referred to the role of religious figures in the events preceding Black July.

Weeraratne warned that the Government should be particularly careful when dealing with groups he described as linked to religious extremism and criminal networks.

He also called for a thorough discussion of the proposed PSD bill, saying the Government should reconsider its approach before proceeding with the legislation.

Vidarshana Kannangara Alleges Political and Religious Forces Are Aligning

Jana Balaya activist Vidarshana Kannangara alleged that legal proceedings were continuing in relation to Basil Rajapaksa and members of the Rajapaksa family, including Shiranthi and Namal Rajapaksa.

He claimed that political groups associated with the Rajapaksas were being accompanied by a parallel network of hard-line Buddhist monks and accused these groups of becoming more active as legal cases involving Namal Rajapaksa continued.

Kannangara argued that the country was presenting contradictory messages internationally: describing itself as a Buddhist nation while facing concerns about pressure or hostility involving certain Buddhist groups.

He alleged that some groups were attempting to secure Gnanasara Thero’s release and argued that communal politics could be used by the Rajapaksas in an effort to regain political power.

He also warned of the possibility of future violence, although no specific evidence supporting that prediction was provided in the supplied statement.

Kannangara called on the public to act carefully and critically, and demanded that the proposed PSD bill be withdrawn.

He further criticised Sajith Premadasa and his wife, Jalani Premadasa, following their meeting with senior Buddhist clergy, arguing that the opposition leader had not sufficiently distanced himself from communal politics.

The speakers concluded by reiterating their concerns over the proposed legislation, political alliances and the potential use of religious identity to influence Sri Lanka’s political landscape.