President warns against ethnic nationalism, insists on equality before law
COLOMBO – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday (18) warned against attempts to revive ethnic nationalism and communal divisions, insisting that Supreme Court rulings are final and that the rule of law must apply equally to all citizens.
Addressing the National People’s Power (NPP) Women’s Convention in Badulla, the President accused certain groups of attempting to create the impression that the country and its national identity were under threat for political gain.
“The Supreme Court’s decisions are final in this country. No authority exists above a Supreme Court ruling, and no one can be granted relief outside the framework of a court judgment,” he said, adding that the government would not yield to political manipulation or attempts to undermine national unity.
Dissanayake also criticized certain media organizations for allegedly spreading fear by portraying Sri Lanka as facing major crises and threats, claiming that these narratives did not reflect the concerns of ordinary citizens.
He accused opposition politicians and previous administrations of contributing to the country’s economic collapse through financial mismanagement, misuse of public funds and alleged political protection for criminal networks and narcotics traffickers.
The President said some individuals who had previously believed themselves to be above the law were now concerned about being held accountable for past crimes and corruption.
Reaffirming his commitment to judicial independence, he said neither political pressure nor executive intervention could override Supreme Court decisions.
Turning to the economy, Dissanayake said the government was providing relief to the public as the country recovered from its economic crisis without compromising economic stability. He also indicated that certain taxes would be removed in the 2027 Budget.
On education, the President said providing quality education remained a primary aspiration of parents and was essential to securing a better future for children. Despite protests by groups attached to the existing system, he said the government would begin introducing its education reforms gradually next year.
He accused groups with little substantive political ground to campaign on of attempting to mobilize support by portraying ethnicity and nationalism as being under threat.
The President warned that efforts to rekindle ethnic divisions and communal tensions under the pretext of protecting the nation would not be tolerated, pledging firm action against attempts to undermine national unity and stability.
–ENCL
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