Derogatory and inflammatory statements: Mano insists even-handed approach necessary

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader, Mano Ganesan, insists that an even-handed approach is needed when dealing with those who make derogatory and inflammatory statements targeting religions.

Acknowledging action initiated against Jerome Fernando and Natasha Edirisuriya in the wake of a spate of complaints against them, the Colombo District MP insists the same law should be applied to all, including Buddhist monks, whatever their standing may be.

Commenting on continuing media furore over preacher Fernando, who is overseas, and Edirisuriya, remanded till 07 June, pending investigations, MP Ganesan said that successive governments had been selective in responding to such situations.

In fact, law enforcement authorities respond immediately to any case of derogatory and inflammatory speeches without waiting for complaints, the MP said. The MP, elected on the SJB ticket, suggested that the police could set up a special unit to deal with those who target religions. Referring to attacks on Hindu, Islam and Catholic religions over the years, lawmaker Ganesan emphasised that Buddhist monks shouldn’t be above the law.

Tagging President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, MP Ganesan had made following tweet: “… If Pastor #JeromeF & now Speaker NathashaE are breaking the law with their speech then the same law should be applied to monks who have spouted hate speech against fellow religions.

The law can’t be ONE-SIDED anymore! @RW_UNP @sajithpremadasa @anuradisanayake..”

Referring to major religious flare ups in the past, MP Ganesan pointed out that those who had sought political mileage, or other benefits, by causing turmoil among communities, received the backing of the powers that be. Had authorities acted swiftly and decisively, the situation wouldn’t have deteriorated to such an extent, MP Ganesan said.

“We are in such a pathetic state economically, politically and socially, the country cannot overcome the next round of violence,” MP Ganesan said.