How will Namal be a 'Pressure President'?

Social media has seen strong critical and sarcastic reactions to media reports that Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa was welcomed amidst public cheers during his visit to the Kirinda area. The majority of people argue that those who participated in the public gathering were not residents of the area, but rather a crowd systematically brought in from other provinces using buses.

Accusations have been made that an attempt was made to portray a limited gathering as a large public wave by using camera angles, and many have interpreted this process as merely a political act. It is noteworthy that these critical comments were published on the social media platforms related to the Derana channel itself.

Strong verbal attacks targeting those who support the politics of the Rajapaksa family are also seen on social media. Social media users, referring to this group as 'slaves' and '2.50 bayiyan' (a derogatory term), have expressed their disgust at this group gathering once again around a faction that contributed to the country's economic bankruptcy. Some respondents have stated that this crowd might have been gathered for money or privileges like alcohol, and that the truly intelligent public will no longer fall for such political deceptions.

Furthermore, this news has also been used as an occasion to recall alleged corruption, fraud, and criminal incidents that occurred during the Rajapaksa regime. Specifically, people demanding justice for incidents like the alleged financial irregularities through the Siriliya account, and the murders of Wasim Thajudeen and Lasantha Wickrematunge, have predicted that Mr. Namal Rajapaksa will have to face imprisonment before dreaming of the presidency. It has also been opined that attempting to show such public attraction when receiving summons from the Criminal Investigation Department is a strategy to conceal fear.

There is also a strong sarcastic attitude on social media regarding Mr. Namal Rajapaksa's political future. Many point out that his hopes for the 2029 presidential candidacy are merely an unrealistic dream, referring to him with epithets like 'Naemolaya' (a play on his name, implying foolishness) and 'Therapum Janadhipathi' (Pressure President). These responses indicate that old political strategies are no longer valid in the face of the current political flow and the activities of the JVP/NPP (Jathika Jana Balawegaya - National People's Power, often referred to as 'Malimawa' or compass), and that the public is now more discerning than before.

Watch the video related to this incident ›