Dr. Hemakumara Nanayakkara, a figure often described as a ‘revolutionary’ in Sri Lankan politics and a former Minister of Agriculture, has announced an “historic decision” to withdraw from the senior leadership of the Sarvajana Balaya political alliance. He has further resolved not to join any political party henceforth, choosing instead to dedicate his full-time efforts to the “dignity, pride of the nation, and the upliftment of Buddhism.”
His decision was publicly revealed during the launch of his biography, Perilikara Hemakumara (Revolutionary Hemakumara), authored by Jagathchandra. The event was attended by a host of political heavyweights, including former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, as well as the Maha Sangha (Buddhist clergy) and other dignitaries.
‘Not a Time to Remain Silent’
Elaborating on his decision, Dr. Nanayakkara stated that his analysis of current political activities and the views of certain leaders suggests that the Sri Lankan nation and Buddhism are facing serious threats.
“This is not a time when we should stand silent, with our hands tied,” he declared. “It is with the feeling that I, too, must take the lead for this that I have decided to act as a free individual, no longer beholden to a political party.”
He further expressed his hope for the blessings of the Maha Sangha and the support of intellectuals for his new mission.
Championing Democracy
Dr. Nanayakkara also voiced his strong opposition to actions damaging democratic values. Stressing that protecting the country’s democracy is everyone’s responsibility, he asserted that no one has the right to forcibly overthrow a democratically established government through protests or ‘Aragalaya’ movements.
He pointed out that the procedure for changing a president or a government is enshrined in the Constitution. He also warned of the presence of “direct interventions” by certain foreign countries in these anti-democratic activities, reiterating that it is the duty of all to protect the country and the nation from such threats.
Book Proceeds for Buddhist Federation
In another decision announced at the event, all proceeds from the sale of the biography, Perilikara Hemakumara, will be donated to the fund of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress.
The Sarvajana Balaya is a political alliance comprising the National Freedom Front (NFF), Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya (MJP), Democratic Left Front, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, and the Independent Parliamentarians’ Forum. Its main constituent party was the Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, founded by Dr. Hemakumara Nanayakkara.
However, recent reports indicate that Dr. Sarath Amunugama, who was appointed as the chairman of the Sarvajana Balaya by the outgoing senior leader Hemakumara Nanayakkara, has also withdrawn from the alliance. Furthermore, key stakeholders, the National Freedom Front and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, are also reported to have left the alliance.
