Opposition MP Dilith Jayaweera has accused the Government of using selected YouTube channels to create public expectations about future arrests, claiming the platforms are being used as a political communication tool.
Speaking at a public meeting, Jayaweera alleged that several YouTube channels were regularly promoting narratives about who would be arrested next.
“In the past, there were state media programmes that reflected the government’s views. Today, that role has shifted to a few YouTube channels. If you watch them, they will tell you who is going to jail next month and even mention names,” he claimed.
Jayaweera said such tactics would not succeed in the long run, arguing that they resemble methods the current rulers had previously criticised when they were in the opposition.
He also criticised the Government’s handling of the economy, claiming people had not experienced any meaningful increase in income despite official economic indicators improving.
“The real economy is not reflected in macroeconomic statistics alone. It is reflected in people’s homes, workplaces and pockets,” he said.
The MP alleged that while taxes and government charges had increased, the burden on ordinary citizens had worsened, accusing the Government of prioritising fiscal targets over improving people’s living standards.
Jayaweera further said workers should not be intimidated from speaking out on labour rights, stressing that the right to defend professional and trade union rights is a recognised human right. (Newswire)