A formal complaint has been submitted to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs over allegedly disrespectful remarks made about renowned Sri Lankan author Martin Wickramasinghe by a private tuition teacher during a class session.

The complaint, sent by Attorney-at-Law Dhanuka Rananjaka Kahandagamage, relates to an incident said to have occurred at a private tuition class conducted by Thameera Herath Jayasinghe. According to the letter, the teacher made derogatory comments about Wickramasinghe in front of students and went on to mock and belittle those who regard him as Sri Lanka’s greatest literary figure.

The complainant states that students who expressed admiration for Wickramasinghe were ridiculed, with such views allegedly dismissed as “stupid,” and claims the teacher attempted to influence young minds through ridicule rather than reasoned discussion.

The letter emphasises that Wickramasinghe should not be viewed merely as an examination author, highlighting his wider contribution to Sri Lankan literature and social thought through works such as Gamperaliya, Yuganthaya, Madol Doova, and Karuwala Gedara. It notes that his writing played a formative role in shaping generations’ understanding of society, human relationships, and values.

Raising broader concerns, the complainant points out that teachers occupy positions of trust and responsibility, and that insulting a literary figure of Wickramasinghe’s stature in front of children undermines respect for Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and sends a damaging message to students.

The letter calls on the Ministry to look into the matter and take appropriate action regarding the conduct of the tuition teacher, stressing the importance of ensuring that educational spaces remain grounded in respect, responsibility, and integrity.

At the time of reporting, there was no response from the teacher concerned or from the Ministry regarding the complaint. However, the teacher has issued an apology over his remaks.