Sri Lanka's Namal Rajapaksa: We stepped back during protests to avoid bloodshed

Namal Rajapaksa, national organizer of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and a Member of Parliament, stated that his party chose to step back during the recent "aragalaya" (struggle or protest) to prevent a massacre. Speaking at a rally in Attanagalla, Gampaha district, Rajapaksa emphasized that they did not want to protect the government by sacrificing the lives of children.

"We also had the opportunity to use the army and police during the struggle and try to protect the government by killing thousands. No, if we had done that, Namal Rajapaksa might not be here today," Rajapaksa said, reflecting on the potential consequences of a violent crackdown. He added that they chose to face reality and stand with the people.

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We also had the opportunity to use the army and police during the struggle and try to protect the government by killing thousands. No, if we had done that, Namal Rajapaksa might not be here today.

Rajapaksa further elaborated that retreating from the confrontation was not a sign of cowardice. "If anyone thinks that stepping back to save the country's youth from a social disaster, while standing with the people and facing reality, is a sign of weakness, they are mistaken," he asserted. His remarks suggest a justification for the SJB's actions during the protests, framing their decision as a strategic move to de-escalate and protect citizens rather than resorting to force.

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If anyone thinks that stepping back to save the country's youth from a social disaster, while standing with the people and facing reality, is a sign of weakness, they are mistaken.