Sajith Must Apologize to the Tamil People: MP S. Sritharan
20-Nov-2025.
“Former President J. R. Jayewardene carried out political activities against the Tamil people through Buddhist monks.
The removal of the newly-installed Buddha statue in the Trincomalee area has become a national issue. In this context, by insisting that the statue must be placed back at the same location, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has betrayed the Tamil people.
He must withdraw his statement and tender an open apology to the Tamil community,” said Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) Jaffna District MP S. Sritharan, addressing Parliament.
He made these remarks while participating in the committee-stage debate on budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and the Ministry of Industries, under the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
He further stated:
At a time when Tamils in this country are facing numerous challenges, the installation of a Buddha statue in the Trincomalee region has caused deep anger among the Tamil people. Historically, no Tamil has ever served as a Government Agent in the Trincomalee District.
It has also been pointed out that Sinhala settlements continue to be established in the district with the aim of eliminating the Tamil demographic presence. It is on this basis that the recent installation of the Buddha statue took place. Today, it has emerged as a manifestation of ethnic extremism. Former President J. R. Jayewardene used Buddhist monks for political purposes against the Tamil people; this government is following the same path.
In Trincomalee, a Buddha statue is being placed illegally. The police remove it, and then reinstall it at the same location. Speaking on this matter, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa declared that the incident must be viewed as a national issue and asserted—aggressively—that the statue must remain where it was. This is shocking.
Tamil people voted for Sajith Premadasa in the presidential election believing that, if he won, all problems would be resolved. He must retract his remarks, offer a public apology to the Tamil people, and acknowledge that he has wronged them. Only then can justice be served.
Religious issues have historically been the root cause of conflict in this country. In Trincomalee District’s Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretariat area, 30 viharas are being built with military assistance. In Thiriyai, a vihara is being built for just two Sinhala individuals. In many areas of the East, lands have been illegally seized for the construction of viharas. The government must stop this, or communal harmony will collapse. This situation is extremely dangerous.
During our meeting with the President, we discussed the Trincomalee issue. He accepted some concerns and stated that appropriate legal action would be taken. His statement in Parliament on this matter was somewhat reassuring. However, not everything can be taken at face value. If legal action is indeed being taken, why has attention not been paid to the illegal Thaillady vihara? It is clear that conflicts are being deliberately created around these statues. The government must put an end to this.
