Sajith Premadasa Calls for Collective Action to Eradicate Religious and Ethnic Divisions

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on all communities to unite to overcome religious and ethnic divisions, describing religious intolerance and racism as a “cancer” that must be eradicated to build a prosperous society for everyone.

He stressed the need to create inclusive economic growth that benefits all communities, warning that conflicts were emerging among different ethnic and religious groups.

Premadasa made these remarks while addressing a meeting of electoral organisers and local government representatives of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the Kalutara District.

Constitution Must Be Properly Implemented

The Opposition Leader said all citizens should read and understand the Constitution. He noted that the Constitution defines Sri Lanka as a unitary and sovereign state and provides for the protection of territorial integrity, popular sovereignty and political freedom.

He stressed that the Constitution must be properly implemented to ensure these principles become a reality.

SJB Rejects Racism and Supports Religious Coexistence

Premadasa said the Constitution gives Buddhism the foremost place while also safeguarding the religious freedom and identities of other communities.

He recalled that former President Ranasinghe Premadasa established a Cabinet-level ministry for Buddhist affairs and created state ministries to address the interests of other religious and ethnic communities.

He added that the SJB did not promote racism and instead followed a middle path that respected all communities.

Calls for Changes to Regulations on Clergy Attire

Premadasa also argued that decisions concerning the Buddhist robe should be handled by the appropriate religious authorities, including the Mahanayake Theros, disciplinary committees and Sangha councils, rather than laypeople.

He said outdated regulations and laws needed to be revised. Criticising the government’s handling of the issue, he called for the relevant rules to be reviewed and replaced without unnecessary delay, arguing that a decision could be made within 24 hours rather than waiting two weeks.

He said he had raised the matter through the Speaker and called for proposals to be presented to the relevant sectoral oversight committee, with changes implemented promptly. As the issue could affect all religions, he stressed the need for a common approach.

Premadasa added that he intended to raise the matter at the relevant parliamentary committee meetings when Parliament reconvened the following week.

Accuses Government of Repressive Governance

The Opposition Leader accused the government of pursuing a state-centred and repressive approach to governance.

He said a national leader should be sensitive to the suffering of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, caste or social standing. He alleged that opposition members were being harassed and silenced, and claimed the government was attempting to establish a one-party system.

Raises Concerns Over Judicial Independence

Premadasa also criticised the government over the 22nd Amendment, claiming that it had dealt a serious blow to democracy and the independence of the judiciary.

His remarks covered religious coexistence, constitutional implementation, the treatment of clergy and concerns over democratic governance.