Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila, speaking at the 79th anniversary celebrations of the United National Party (UNP), drew a controversial comparison between President Anura Dissanayake and German dictator Adolf Hitler.

Gammanpila claimed that Dissanayake’s actions raise “reasonable suspicion” that he is a reincarnation of Hitler.

“The UNP is celebrating its 79th anniversary against a decisive backdrop for our motherland. We faced armed fascists who tried to seize state power. Soldiers had every right to crush those who came with weapons. But when power is captured by those wearing patriotic attire and socialist masks, it becomes a new experience for us,” Gammanpila said.

He further stated that there were “striking similarities” between Hitler’s rise to power and Dissanayake’s path to the presidency.

“At a time when the country’s future feels uncertain, when trade union leaders are being threatened by the President, we are reminded of Hitler’s Germany. The way Anura Dissanayake is acting raises a fair suspicion that he is the reincarnation of Adolf Hitler,” Gammanpila asserted.