Sajith urges unity over opportunism to tackle national crises

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on Sri Lankans to reject political opportunism and unite behind strategic development, pointing out that the nation has endured five major national tragedies over the past seven years.

Speaking at a religious ceremony in Elpitiya, Premadasa highlighted the sequence of crises the country has faced, ranging from the Easter Sunday terror attacks to the fallout of international conflicts such as the Iran crisis.

Addressing the state's constitutional obligations, Premadasa said that the government must uphold its duty to give foremost place to Buddhism and protect the Sambuddha Sasana.

At the same time, he emphasised that safeguarding the identity, culture, and security of all religious and ethnic communities remains a vital collective responsibility necessary to sustain a civilised and law-abiding society.

Maha Sangha

The Opposition Leader raised concerns over recent attempts by adverse groups to distort Buddhist teachings.

He noted that members of the Maha Sangha, who act as the guardians of the Sasana, have faced unfair criticism, public insults, and coordinated character assassination attempts.

Protecting the Buddhist clergy must be treated as a fundamental national duty and civic responsibility, he added, regardless of political or personal divisions.

Call to revive Dhamma education

Highlighting Sri Lanka's extensive religious network—which includes 14,129 temples, 10,347 Dhamma schools, 327 Sasana Arakshaka divisions, and 824 Pirivenas, Premadasa expressed concern over falling attendance at Sunday Dhamma schools following the pandemic.

He called for an immediate national strategy to re-engage young people in religious education.

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