Mahinda decries political terrorism of personal revenge

Saturday, 13 September 2025 00:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka is experiencing “political terrorism” fuelled by personal vendettas and a breakdown of discipline and professionalism, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Writing on his official Facebook page, Rajapaksa noted that he had “returned to my village where it all began,” echoing comments made by his son Namal. “As my eldest son Namal said, I have returned to my village where it all began. I travelled here via the Southern Expressway that we built. Now, I can enjoy a sour fish stew in the village,” he said.

The statement followed Rajapaksa’s departure from his official residence at Wijerama in compliance with the recently passed Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act, No. 18 of 2025, which removed the provision of housing and other benefits to former presidents.

Rejecting media calls for him to vacate earlier, Rajapaksa said he did not see the need to answer critics whom he accused of trying to deflect attention from their shortcomings. “I had no need to listen to statements made in front of the media by a group of people who, unable to do anything for the people and who were becoming increasingly disenchanted with the public in a very short period of time, were trying to cover up their incompetence,” he wrote.

Rajapaksa also responded to those calling for his execution. “I have learned of a statement claiming that Mahinda Rajapaksa now deserves to be hanged. Personally, I do not respond to such direct targeting. However, I wish to state that as long as I live, and for as long as we all live under the shelter of the lion flag, I will rise up — no matter the suffering — against anyone who betrays this unitary motherland. On that day, if necessary, I know well that the Maha Sangha and our beloved people of this country will stand ready to make any sacrifice. Political threats and loud rhetoric are nothing new to Mahinda Rajapaksa of Giruwapattuwa,” he added.

He further recalled his time at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, saying he represented victims of disappearances despite facing what he described as political repression and reprisals.