Jamila Husain 
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A hyped up opposition and a weakening government!
My dear Prime Minister and Opposition Members,
To the Opposition - It is with a certain sense of humour that I have been patiently watching your remarks before the media in recent days, as well as in Parliament, where collectively you have been calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya over the mess up in the Grade Six English Language module.
This is indeed a grave issue, especially since Prime Minister Amarasuriya is an educated scholar who was entrusted with the Education Ministry. It is deeply concerning to see so many mistakes in a school module, particularly when it results in children being exposed to inappropriate material, leaving parents to explain what homosexuality means and why a website promoting gay rights has found its way into the school education system.
As a mother, I too am troubled by how such an error could occur. Having to explain to my child what gay rights mean and why such content is considered important to be taught in school is neither easy nor acceptable for many parents. This entire episode is shameful, and it has been almost amusing to watch how many ministers rushed to the Prime Minister’s defence last week, insisting that the complaints and accusations against her are baseless and that there is no reason for her to resign.
One of the most vocal defenders was Minister Vijitha Herath, who assured that the Prime Minister would assume responsibility on behalf of the government for the development of the education system. He further stated that while the world is changing rapidly, Sri Lanka’s education system too must undergo timely changes to meet development needs.
That may be so. But if promoting sensitive material such as homosexuality and gay rights is what is meant by timely changes, then the government must be reminded that such content goes against the cultural norms of this country. No ethical parent willingly leaves their child at school expecting lessons that clash so sharply with deeply held values. A school is a place of trust, and what is taught there shapes a child’s future. Although the CID is now involved and the Ministry appears to be passing responsibility to the National Institute of Education, the damage has already been done. If even this has spiralled out of control, the future of the Education Ministry looks bleak under the present leadership.
Having said this, it is also time to remind the Opposition of a few uncomfortable truths. Today, the joint Opposition is united, loud, and relentless in calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation, citing incompetence. But resign and do what? Hand the Ministry to another Minister who will have to restart procedures and delay systems that are already struggling?
This same Opposition, including some younger faces, is now travelling around the country demanding resignations from NPP Ministers at the drop of a hat. Where was this moral outrage when ministers in previous governments committed far more serious crimes and were openly shielded by their colleagues?
Let us remind the country of the severe allegations against Keheliya Rambukwella, who will be remembered as one of the most dangerous Health Ministers Sri Lanka has had. Under his tenure, patients dependent on the state lost their lives, while others suffered irreversible harm. These allegations were not minor political disputes but concerned the public’s most basic right to a safe healthcare system. When a No Confidence Motion was brought against him, this very group that now demands resignations voted against it and ensured Rambukwella remained in office.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe later removed Rambukwella from the Health Ministry in 2023, only to reappoint him as Minister of Environment in 2024. If corruption was so evident, why was he rewarded again? And why did those now shouting the loudest remain silent then?
Rambukwella is merely one example. Corruption was widespread in previous governments. Deals came first, people came last, and the country paid the price.
When the media exposed these issues, editors were summoned before the Parliamentary Privilege Committee, where MPs behaved like judges, humiliating journalists and demanding apologies. I speak from experience, having been dragged before the Committee where my competence as an editor was questioned simply because we exposed wrongdoing.
Today, many of those MPs have lost public trust and vanished from politics.
One mistake does not excuse another, but this must be said clearly. In 2024, people voted for change because they were exhausted by corruption and political deal making that benefited only those in power. They wanted a system change and a better future for their children. They rejected the Rajapaksas, the Wickremesinghes, and that entire culture, placing their faith in the NPP.
This government may lack experience and perhaps even the technical know how to move efficiently, but it is the government in charge today. Constant calls for resignations do not help the country move forward. They only drag us backwards.
My request to the government is simple. Get your act together. Stop making avoidable mistakes and then shifting blame or involving the CID in every matter. Do the job you were elected to do and honour the pledges you made. The public’s patience is not limitless.
To the Opposition, remember this. You were given your chance to govern and failed so badly that some of you returned to Parliament only through the National List. Do not use this moment to revive dying political careers. The country has suffered enough. If you truly wish to serve the people, put aside egos, offer constructive proposals, and wait for the next election.
Ironically, the most balanced statement came from former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who said no one needs to resign, clearly referring to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, while also noting that the government is recording more failures than successes. He remains one of the few politicians who has consistently stated he is ready to assist any government so the people do not suffer.
Dear Opposition, learn from these words. They may yet take you far.
Yours sincerely
Jamila Husain
Editor In Chief
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