President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says some media organisations are aligned with what he described as a “destructive political camp”, while opposition groups that previously worked separately are now attempting to unite as there is no sign of his government collapsing.
Addressing the 37th Il Maha Viru Commemoration, the President said Sri Lankan politics was becoming increasingly divided between two distinct political camps, with some media institutions also taking sides.
“Some media institutions have also become divided along these lines. We are aware that there are media organisations representing that destructive political camp,” he said.
The President described the two camps as an old political establishment rooted in corruption and outdated practices, and a new political movement seeking to transform the country.
Referring to the opposition, President Dissanayake said political groups that contested the 2024 Presidential election separately were now compelled to work together.
“Some waited for the Government to collapse, but there is no sign of it collapsing, nor is there any indication of when that might happen,” he said.
The President claimed that opposition groups were seeking to unite because they had realised that his political movement was firmly established in power and that those involved in fraud and corruption would no longer enjoy protection.
He further claimed that political opponents had become weakened and frustrated, warning that their frustration could lead to a breakdown in self-restraint and inappropriate actions.
However, he expressed confidence that the government would overcome such challenges and continue its political programme.
The President also drew a sharp distinction between the government and opposition over corruption, governance, national unity and the use of technology.
“They resort to rituals, charms and superstitious practices. We seek to build this country on the basis of modern technology, science and knowledge,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Dissanayake stressed that his administration must remain accountable to the public and could no longer blame previous governments for present-day problems.
“We cannot hide behind explanations that something belongs to the past, that it was inherited from previous administrations or that those who came before us failed to do it,” he said.
He also emphasised that citizens have the right to question, criticise and protest against those in power, saying his government wanted to replace the traditional relationship of fear and submission between rulers and the public with one based on accountability. (Newswire)