Sri Lankan opposition parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa Slams Government: “They Passed Grade 5, but Failed Grade 6”

By Lions Roar News Political Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) — SLPP National Organizer and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa launched a scathing attack on the current administration today, accusing the government of attempting to intimidate the judiciary and the Attorney General’s Department to achieve its political ends.

Speaking to journalists at the party office in Nelum Mawatha, Rajapaksa expressed strong confidence that the country’s legal systems would not bow down to what he described as “government suppression.”

🏛️ “Intimidation of the Judiciary”

Rajapaksa claimed the government is trying to instill fear within legal institutions to control the outcome of various cases.

Legal Integrity: “I am firmly convinced that the Attorney General’s Department and the judicial system will not surrender to this government’s oppression,” he stated.
Political Vendettas: He accused the government of manufacturing false evidence and statements to prove political stage arguments before the Attorney General.
Judicial Transfers: He pointed to recent transfers of judges as evidence of the government’s attempt to politicize the bench.

📚 The Grade 6 “Failure” Controversy

In a sharp metaphorical critique, Rajapaksa mocked the government’s recent performance, specifically referencing the Grade 6 textbook controversy.

“Failed Grade 6”: “This government may have passed Grade 5, but they have failed Grade 6,” he remarked, referring to the recent scandal involving an inappropriate link in a new Grade 6 textbook.
Education Reforms: While supporting the modernization of education, he warned against “distorting the minds” of children. “Modernization should not come by corrupting the cultural values of a 6th-grade child,” he added.

🪷 Religious and Ethnic Tensions

Rajapaksa accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration of fostering hatred among ethnic groups and disrespecting religious traditions.

Cultural Restrictions: He claimed that under current policies, people feel restricted in practicing traditions, such as observing Sil in Nagadeepa or celebrating Pongal in the south.
Police and Religion: He cited a recent incident where police were involved in relocating a Buddha statue with full honors, questioning why the same law doesn’t apply to monks who were previously arrested for similar actions.
Double Standards: He alleged “NPP-linked” individuals were involved in illegal soil mining in Kurunegala without facing any legal consequences, while officers who enforce the law are being transferred or suspended.

🏗️ Development and “Billion-Dollar Lies”

Rajapaksa expressed amusement at current ministers inaugurating bridges and projects originally initiated during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tenure in 2012-2013.

Credit for Work: “Those who once criticized these projects are now happily opening them. We are glad these projects are finally being completed after a decade of delays,” he said.
Missing Billions: He mocked the government’s previous campaign promises regarding stolen assets. “I am still waiting for the $18 billion from Uganda and the Marriott Hotel in Dubai to be brought back,” he quipped.

📊 Namal Rajapaksa’s “Charge Sheet” Against the Government

Category	Allegation
Legal	Intimidating the AG’s Department and the Judiciary.
Education	Failure of the Grade 6 textbook; “distorting” young minds.
Religion	Harassment of Buddhist monks; NPP-linked double standards.
Integrity	Corruption in coal tenders and military food supply.
Governance	Blaming officials for political failures (e.g., substandard drugs).