Sajith Premadasa Calls for Sensitive Leadership and Respect for All Religions

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a sensitive and inclusive national leadership that treats all religions, ethnic communities, cultures and social groups equally, stressing the need to modernise laws inherited from the colonial era.

He said a new legal framework should be developed in a manner that respects religious leaders and avoids insulting the traditional attire associated with their respective faiths.

Premadasa made these remarks while addressing a women’s council meeting organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya in the Moratuwa electorate of the Colombo District. The event was attended by Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya Chairperson and MP Rohini Kavirathne, Moratuwa electorate organiser Senaka Dayamantha and a large gathering of supporters.

Constitution Must Protect Religious and Cultural Rights

Premadasa said Sri Lanka’s Constitution gives Buddhism the foremost place while also recognising the rights of people belonging to other religions and cultures to practise their faith.

He stressed that protecting Buddhism and safeguarding the rights of other religious and cultural communities were responsibilities that should be upheld together.

He called for existing laws, regulations and circulars to be updated to reflect contemporary needs without causing disrespect to religious beliefs or traditions.

Religious Attire Should Be Respected

Referring to the controversy surrounding the removal of a Buddhist monk’s robe, Premadasa said the responsibility for determining whether a monk should wear or remove the robe belonged to the relevant Buddhist chapter or Sangha authority, rather than laypeople.

He said respect should be shown not merely to an individual but also to the religion and the religious significance of the robe. He added that the same principle of respect should apply to religious leaders of other faiths.

Premadasa also criticised the government’s decision to appoint a committee to examine the controversy, saying that the matter required an urgent response rather than a delay of two weeks.

Says He Does Not Challenge Court Judgments

The Opposition Leader said he did not question or criticise decisions delivered by the judiciary. He maintained that his criticism concerned what he described as an insult to Buddhism arising from the circumstances surrounding the controversy.

He argued that delaying action after such an incident was also a serious mistake.

Warns of Risks to National Unity

Premadasa further warned that the government’s handling of the issue could deepen divisions among different groups and threaten national unity and strength.

He said increasing discord could pose a risk to national security, emphasising the importance of following the constitutional framework that recognises Buddhism’s foremost place while protecting other religions, cultures and communities.

He called for a sensitive national programme that promotes mutual respect, religious harmony and equal treatment for all citizens.