JVP-led NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on people not to be distracted by the ongoing circuses from the burning issues affecting their lives.

Addressing an NPP rally, in Mihintale, last week, Dissanayake said: “The President seems to think that he can govern the country with the help of circuses and other such gimmicks. He spent a huge amount of public funds on the Independence Day celebrations despite protests. Then there were Sinhala Tamil New Year shows, and the Vesak and Poson pandals. Now, he is getting ready to put up a mega military tattoo in August. In the meantime, the state media claims that the economy is thriving and the rupee is rallying steadily against the US dollar. The rupee appreciation is due to a drop in the demand for the dollars more than anything else, and the government is trying to deceive the public.

“People are starving. They are without medicine. The education sector is in crisis. Unemployment rate is on the increase. But the President is busy putting up shows.”

Amnesty International has said it is concerned about the arrest of comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya.

“The right to freedom of expression applies to information and ideas of all kinds, including those that may be deeply offensive. Sri Lankan authorities must ensure that all laws, policies and practices aimed at combatting advocacy of hatred are drafted and applied in a strict manner so that they do not lead to unjustified restrictions of freedom of expression of minorities,” it said in a statement.

The Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office said that Section 3(1) of the ICCPR Act, which introduces the ICCPR into domestic legislation, has been used time and time again to restrict freedom of expression. It prohibits advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, violence or hostility.

“Advocacy of hatred is more than just the expression of ideas or opinions that are hateful towards members of a particular group, it requires a clear showing of intent to incite others to discriminate, be hostile toward, or commit violence against the group in question. When the expression fails to meet this test, even if it is shocking, offensive, or disturbing, it should be protected by the state. The ICCPR Act was enacted to introduce into domestic legislation the obligations that Sri Lanka committed to abide by after ratifying the human rights treaty. Ironically, the Sri Lankan authorities are using it instead as a tool of repression to target minorities. This must end,” said the statement.

Nathasha Edirisooriya must be released and any pending charges against her must be dropped immediately, said the Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office.

The Socialist Study Circle is organising a seminar on the theme “Towards an Agenda for Deep Democratic Reforms” to mark the 118th birth anniversary of Dr N. M. Perera. This will be at the Centre for Society & Religion Auditorium, 281, Deans Road, Colombo 10, at 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 06 June 2023.

The speakers are Emeritus Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda, M. A. Sumanthiran, PC, Member of Parliament and Saliya Pieris, PC.