Addressing a rally held on 27 September at the Gampaha Municipal Council Grounds, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that there is no need to arrest an elderly man from Anuradhapura who had publicly threatened to attack him using a bomb allegedly made from two matchboxes.
He said that the public has the right to criticise the government, emphasising that such criticism should be expressed in a civilised manner, with individuals remaining mindful of their language and the boundaries of responsible expression.
The President further assured that the government would not impose restrictions on these freedoms, describing the current administration as one that has introduced a new political culture aimed at maintaining a free relationship between the public and the government.
Recalling past incidents involving media suppression, Dissanayake alleged that previous administrations had attacked media institutions, murdered journalists who criticised those in power, and physically assaulted media personnel.
“The people should not be afraid of those in power. A country where the people fear the ruler can never move forward,” he said, adding that the government must listen to public criticism and respect the right to protest.
Referring specifically to the threat made by the elderly man from Anuradhapura, the President questioned the necessity of his arrest, stating that there would be little purpose in doing so.
“Let him say what he wants. He is not going to do it, and he cannot do it anyway,” he remarked.
He concluded by highlighting that his administration had not used tear gas against protesters during its two years in office, citing this as an example of its approach to upholding the public’s right to dissent. (SW)
