The article discusses a recent rally in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, organized by right-wing nationalist groups aiming to topple the National People’s Power (NPP) government. This gathering is seen as a calculated effort to exploit national anxieties and revive ethno-religious narratives reminiscent of past political turmoil. Analysts warn that the NPP must act swiftly against rising nationalist propaganda, or risk repeating the errors of the Yahapalana government (2015–2019), which faced backlash due to indecision amidst rising nationalism.
The rally, featuring prominent nationalist figures, signaled a clear threat to the NPP’s mandate of anti-corruption and clean governance. The rally’s rhetoric included claims of threats to Buddhism and accusations of favoritism towards minorities, echoing past campaigns that destabilized previous administrations. The NPP faces a dual challenge: combating a well-organized nationalist movement and preventing its supporters from losing faith due to perceived inaction.
To succeed, the NPP must accelerate anti-corruption measures, strengthen legal responses to hate speech, build coalitions with moderate groups, ensure security forces remain impartial, and communicate effectively to counter misinformation. The article underscores that the stakes are high, with the potential for the return of destabilizing political forces unless decisive action is taken.
