Leader of the National Freedom Front, Wimal Weerawansa, has voiced strong criticism regarding the absence of Sri Lanka’s Head of State from the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. He emphasized that such detachment from a deeply rooted cultural tradition, one that spans over 2,500 years, should be viewed with serious concern.
Issuing a public statement, Weerawansa noted that while the festival was not celebrated officially at the state level, a vast majority of citizens across the country participated with enthusiasm—despite economic hardships.
He also expressed concern over a sudden wave of online discourse undermining the value of the New Year celebration. Some on social media claimed it was celebrated only in Sri Lanka, dismissing its relevance, while others questioned its astrological significance or labeled it an outdated tradition.
Weerawansa argued that this cultural skepticism is not coincidental but a reflection of a broader ideological campaign. Referencing American political theorist Francis Fukuyama’s ideas, he warned that global liberal capitalist ideologies seek to dilute national cultural identities in favor of a uniform consumer culture. In that context, Sri Lanka’s traditional foods and customs are seen as incompatible with globalized norms.
He stressed that leaders of nations striving for true independence work to preserve and promote their unique cultural heritage in the face of growing external influence. According to him, cultural events like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year are vital tools in maintaining national unity and resisting cultural homogenization.
Therefore, the president’s decision to step back from publicly acknowledging such a significant cultural celebration deserves critical scrutiny, he concluded.
— Wimal Weerawansa, Leader, National Freedom Front (April 17, 2025)