Don’t brand Southerners or Northerners as racists for religious devotion: Namal

Colombo, Jan. 19 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has urged against labeling people as racists simply for practicing their religious beliefs, said that mutual respect among cultures is essential for national unity.

Addressing a public meeting in Thambuttegama, Rajapaksa said it was wrong to describe people of the South as racists when they visit Jaffna for spiritual observances, or to brand Northerners as racists when they travel to Kataragama for worship.

“Don’t be ready to label the people of the South as racists just because they go to Jaffna to practice asceticism, and don’t label the people of the North as racists when they come to worship Kataragama Devihamuduruwo. That is not racism it is faith,” he said.

Rajapaksa noted that Buddhists travel to Nagadeepa, Catholics visit Madhu Church, and Hindus make pilgrimages to Kataragama, emphasizing that these acts reflect devotion rather than ethnic or religious division.

He said Sri Lanka’s social harmony is rooted in a culture built around Buddhist philosophy, which respects and protects all religions. “Today there is no religious conflict in our country. There is no killing or violence between religions. That is because all faiths are protected within a society built on Buddhist culture,” he stated.

Referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visits to Jaffna, Rajapaksa said he was pleased the President was able to enjoy the freedom secured through the sacrifices of war heroes. “I will not go to any village to spread hatred or jealousy. We need a political culture that suits this country, not one that creates divisions,” he added.

He further accused the government of attempting to create discord among communities while failing to address key national issues, including disaster management and the rising cost of living.

Rajapaksa criticized what he described as excessive taxation, inadequate support for farmers, and the growing dependence on imported food. “Instead of strengthening local farmers, the government is trying to build a culture of importing vegetables, fruits and rice from abroad,” he charged.

He also called for firm action against organized crime and drug trafficking, warning that criminals cannot be eliminated if they are protected for political reasons.

Concluding his remarks, Rajapaksa said the country needs honest governance focused on development and unity rather than politics based on hatred and division.