Wimal begins an indefinite satyagraha until Harini arrives

Today (12th), a group of civil society representatives, including former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, commenced an indefinite Satyagraha in front of the Ministry of Education, demanding the withdrawal of the new education reforms and the resignation of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya from the post of Minister of Education. Wimal Weerawansa has stated that the government must completely withdraw this harmful education reform process.

Wimal Weerawansa, who has a political history of abruptly shifting from the JVP to the Mahinda Rajapaksa government, held a ministerial portfolio under the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration but later resigned, criticizing Basil Rajapaksa. In the last general election, he did not contest from any political party and adopted a silent policy. Recently, he visited Mahinda Rajapaksa in Medamulana and has once again become a newsmaker in front of the media. He is criticizing his former member party from outside, forming a small group through the National Freedom Front.

Previously, Wimal Weerawansa has undertaken two fasts, garnering national attention. The most recent fast was in 2017, when he protested against the court's refusal to grant him bail while he was in remand custody over allegations of nepotism. During the period he was on hunger strike, lying in his cell without consuming any food, even the Mahanayaka Theros issued national statements. Subsequently, he was granted bail, but after his release on bail, he gave an interview to a weekend newspaper, stating that his fast was not undertaken with the intention of obtaining bail.

In 2010, Wimal Weerawansa staged a highly dramatic fast for two and a half days in front of the United Nations office in Thummulla, claiming to be on hunger strike. This was after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of a committee to investigate war crimes by the Sri Lankan government. Behind the platform where he was lying, several boxes of 'Lemon Puff' biscuits were found. After Mahinda arrived and offered him water, he abandoned the fast, claiming his kidneys were failing. However, this did not cause the UN Secretary-General to change his decision.

It remains a mystery whether the Satyagraha started by Wimal today (12th) will end with Harini's resignation or Namal offering him water.

Watch the video related to this incident ›