No Scope for Minority Groups in a Sinhala-Buddhist Nation – MP Dilith Jayawira

18-Nov-2025

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MP Dilith Jayawira of the Sarvajana Shakthi (People’s Power) movement stated that in a nation guided by Sinhala-Buddhist principles, the concept of “minority groups” should not exist. He argued that Buddhism rejects racism in its entirety. 

The government, however, was falsely portraying the presence of racism and, in doing so, had created divisions and tensions among communities.

He made these comments during the committee-stage debate of the 2026 Budget allocations for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the Ministry of Justice and National Unity on November 17.

He added that Sinhala-Buddhist ideology is directed by Buddhist teachings and that Sri Lanka has long operated within this framework. Yet a minister had stated that idol worship was unnecessary. 

When individuals with such positions serve in government and instruct police officers to resolve issues by going to temples, the officers end up attacking monks, even stripping saffron robes before beating them. He questioned why such violence was occurring.

He emphasised that numerous issues required resolution through a collective, inclusive approach. Buddhism rejects racism fully, but the government repeatedly claimed—morning and evening—that racism existed. When the nation’s guiding principles are challenged, people will unite across racial and religious lines against the government.

He said that criticising idol worship not only belittled Hindus but also mocked the country’s cultural heritage. The people of Sri Lanka live in harmony with this culture and the government should refrain from provoking conflict against it.