The National Organiser of the Sarvajana Balaya movement, Dilum Amunugama, said that excessive media attention has turned underworld figures into national heroes, misleading the country’s youth.

He made these remarks at a press conference held at the Sarvajana Balaya Party headquarters.

“Today, there is hardly any difference between the security given to a criminal and that of the President. It’s pointless to provide such protection if it only prevents their escape. But when young people see these things, they begin to think it’s better to become an underworld leader than a president,” Dilum Amunugama said.

“Even when criminals are caught or shot by the police, the cameras are always there. The media shows it all, and in doing so, turns these individuals into heroes. That sends the wrong message to our youth. Therefore, we must understand what should and should not be done.”

Speaking further, Amunugama said Sarvajana Balaya aims to bring about a new political direction for the country under the leadership of Dilith Jayaweera.

“From Sirimavo Bandaranaike to J.R. Jayewardene, to Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, every leader tried different methods — nationalisation, open economy, welfare, and relief — but none of it truly uplifted the people. Instead, the relief measures only became a burden on the government. What remains from Mahinda Rajapaksa’s era is physical development, which is a good thing. But even the appointment ofdevelopment officers in every village did not lead to real progress,” he said.

He added that Sri Lanka must now focus on entrepreneurship-led growth, as seen in developed countries.