SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has stated that he is willing to remain in prison for not only 50 days but even 500 days if his imprisonment results in economic relief for the public and the protection of the country’s cultural heritage.

In a statement issued ahead of the 50th day since his imprisonment, the SLPP national organizer criticized the government’s handling of the country’s economic challenges, questioning the lack of relief for the public despite claims regarding the state of government finances.

In his statement, he touched on several topics, including the death of the majestic tusker ‘Kawanthissa’, Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and various issues faced by the public. 

The full statement issued by Namal Rajapaksa is reproduced below:

“Tomorrow Marks 50 Days Since My Imprisonment

Although prison walls surround me, I know that beyond those walls stands a wall of people. The attempt to keep me imprisoned is an example of the pressure being exerted by certain groups. I wonder whether it is also because of the love shown to me by the mothers, fathers, and all of you in this country, and because I am the eldest son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose leadership was central to the victories of the Sri Lankan people.

Politics is not about rallies, impassioned speeches, or applause. Although I am imprisoned, my thoughts remain free. These words remain free. I now see these fifty days not as time lost from my life, but as a period during which I have learned life anew.

The greatest damage that can be inflicted on a country’s culture is not merely its destruction. Failing to show it the respect it deserves can be equally damaging. As a nation, we are deeply saddened by our failure to protect Kavantissa, the majestic tusker whose heritage we collectively cherished and revered.

The first citizen of a country is the custodian of every living being that breathes on this land. He is the guardian entrusted with preserving the life and heritage of this soil for future generations. As an ordinary citizen of this country, I respectfully acknowledge that we once had a first citizen who gave every living being on the land entrusted to him the freedom to live safely. As a son, I state with pride that this man was my father.

My father was a man who left deep and lasting footprints in the political culture of this country. Even today, he continues to enjoy the enduring love of the Sri Lankan people. My father always understood that the price one must pay for the freedom of the motherland is suffering, pain, and humiliation. Yet, he may never have imagined that the very country, nation, religion, and values he had protected would one day become targets of criticism and attacks. He may never have imagined that our motherland would be politically assassinated.

Criticism and attacks are not the same. In a democratic society, there can be civil discourse about religion and culture. I agree with that. Such discussion is not a crime. The crime lies in insulting others, distorting the truth, and spreading hatred and violence.

Ours is a country whose cultural identity is deeply rooted in Buddhism. Attacking Buddhism and its culture is an offence against our identity. A person who does not respect their own religion cannot genuinely respect another religion. If someone merely pretends to do so, there may come a time when it becomes clear that what they display is not genuine respect, but a demand disguised as respect.

Religion is not a competition; it is coexistence. It is not a performance; it is understanding. A country, its resources, its culture, and its heritage must never be subjected to ridicule or treated with contempt. Once something has been ridiculed, restoring it to the respect it deserves may no longer be possible. We must protect these values through a sound understanding of the issues and with due respect for the law.

The people are going through an extremely difficult period. Serious problems demanding urgent national attention exist across every sector. We find ourselves living in a country where we are told that the Treasury is overflowing, yet the people have received no relief. The country has lost investment opportunities.

At such a critical moment, attempting to conceal the weight of a country’s problems behind one family is absurd. In my view, it reflects an inability to address the real issues. I believe that one day, the courts in which we all place our trust will find me not guilty and acquit me.

If my imprisonment can achieve the following:

• If electricity bills can be reduced by two-thirds;
• If fuel can be provided at the same price at which it is imported by ship;
• If salaries can be increased every six months;
• If bank loans can be provided without collateral and without interest;
• If Toyota Vitz cars can be made available for around Rs. 1.2 million;
• If rice prices can be reduced with a single stroke of the pen;
• If all taxes imposed on healthcare, education, and essential goods can be completely removed;

If my country can benefit and our cultural heritage can be protected, then I am willing to remain imprisoned for not just 50 days, but even 500 days.

In that case, I would say that the walls and iron gates surrounding me are an open sky. Mahinda’s eldest son would willingly make that sacrifice.

For my father has taught me that, in the end, true victory is not about power, but about the place one wins in the hearts of the people.

I remind you that, although you may imprison me, you cannot imprison the aspirations of the people who stand with our camp.”