Academics, civil society condemn ‘vicious’ hate campaign against PM Harini

Colombo, January 8 (Daily Mirror) - A group of academics, professionals and civil society members has strongly condemned what they describe as a vicious smear campaign and personalised attacks targeting Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya.

In a statement, the signatories said the attacks have exceeded all bounds of civility and decency in a democratic society, asserting that much of the hostility is rooted in misogynistic jealousy, hatred and animosity towards PM Amarasuriya as a nationally and internationally respected woman leader.

They warned the public against being misled by propaganda propagated by regressive forces pursuing narrow political and ideological agendas, and said the campaign represents a dangerous erosion of ethical political discourse.

The statement noted that recent criticism followed reports of a serious but avoidable error in a school textbook prepared under the Education Ministry. However, it stressed that the organised campaign of abuse directed at the Prime Minister goes far beyond legitimate criticism, violating her dignity and personhood.

The signatories also expressed concern that even some members of the clergy have joined the attacks, observing that women leaders in Sri Lanka — including the world’s first woman Prime Minister and the country’s first woman President — have historically been subjected to similar gender-based abuse.

While affirming the democratic right to question policy failures and hold officials accountable, the statement said personal, gender-based and homophobic attacks against PM Amarasuriya are unacceptable and undermine democratic norms.

They welcomed the government’s admission of the textbook error and the decision to initiate a police inquiry, describing it as a constructive step.

The statement further commended PM Harini Amarasuriya’s parliamentary conduct, highlighting her record of decency, courage, respect for political opponents and informed contributions to debate.

Calling on those behind the campaign to immediately desist, the signatories warned that such attacks erode democratic and humanist values. The statement was signed by 58 individuals.