Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader Mano Ganesan has expressed deep disappointment over remarks reportedly made by senior Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member Lakshman Kiriella during a meeting with the Mahanayake Thero in Kandy.
In a letter dated Oct. 13 addressed to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Ganesan raised concerns over Kiriella’s reported suggestion that the government was using the controversy surrounding Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero to appease Tamil-speaking citizens and communities outside the Sinhala-Buddhist majority.
Ganesan also criticised the reported use of outdated terminology when referring to Tamil and Muslim communities, warning that such language could reinforce divisive narratives and undermine the dignity of fellow citizens.
He said it was regrettable that such remarks were reportedly made during a discussion with the country’s senior Buddhist religious leadership.
Addressing the imprisonment of Gnanasara Thero, Ganesan stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, noting that many had refrained from questioning the judicial outcome.
He also said he would not object if President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, acting within the law, granted a fresh presidential pardon after addressing the legal deficiencies identified in the previous pardon.
Referring to the controversy over Gnanasara Thero’s prison attire, Ganesan said the matter should be addressed through the committee appointed by the President to examine existing prison regulations and propose amendments.
He said he had already appealed to Tamil-speaking Sri Lankans to refrain from publicly commenting on the issue while the relevant process was underway.
However, Ganesan stressed that disagreements over Gnanasara Thero’s imprisonment or prison attire should not be used to justify language that could marginalise Tamil and Muslim citizens.
“One may hold differing views on the legal proceedings involving the Venerable Gnanasara Thero, but none of these issues justifies language that could be interpreted as marginalising or disparaging Tamil and Muslim citizens,” he wrote.
Ganesan urged Premadasa to consider his concerns constructively, warning against reviving divisive language and attitudes of the past. (Newswire)
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