September 15, Colombo (LNW): A complaint has been submitted to Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following allegations that remarks made at a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) political rally in Anuradhapura amounted to promoting or endorsing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Police spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler confirmed that the complaint was made by a civil society group identifying itself as the “Joint Opposition”. The group has called for an investigation into comments delivered during the gathering, particularly in light of the LTTE’s continued status as a proscribed organisation in Sri Lanka.
The controversy centres on comments made at Sunday’s rally, which was attended by several prominent political figures, including former minister Wimal Weerawansa and Parliamentarian Archchuna Ramanathan.
During his address, Ramanathan described himself as a “Tiger” and contrasted that identity with what he described as a “fox”, in an apparent reference to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. His remarks quickly became a point of contention, prompting criticism from political opponents and sections of the public.
The reaction was particularly notable given the SLPP’s traditionally hard-line position on references associated with the LTTE. Scenes from the rally reportedly showed some SLPP supporters applauding as the reference was made, adding further fuel to the political dispute.
The complaint is now expected to place the remarks under scrutiny, with investigators likely to consider whether the comments crossed the legal threshold for glorifying, supporting or otherwise promoting a banned organisation.
The incident has also reignited debate over the language used at political rallies and the sensitivity surrounding references to the country’s nearly three-decade conflict.
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