“If people could understand and judge the issues like fraud doctors, fake cures, and fraudulent clothing with critical thinking back then, we would be living in a better society today.”

Regardless of which country in the world is taken as an example, political parties and groups engage in an informational transaction with their supporters through their campaign strategies. Especially during the period close to an election, it is common for this information to be used meticulously to undermine the political views of opponents and promote one’s own political ideology. The accuracy or falsity of the information being disseminated is often judged based on an individual’s political biases. This is discussed in a TV conversation with Aslam, who is both a teacher and an academic.

As a teacher and a religious leader, how challenging will the upcoming political environment be?

Specifically, the Sinhala people are a very sensitive nation. Politicians study this well. Moreover, in past political behaviors, we saw how sensitive issues were exploited. Such exploitation deeply affects people’s lives across any nation or religion. Initially, people suffered. Later, they realized that they were trapped in a quagmire. I believe that politicians of any party, nation, or religion cannot further exploit people’s ethnic or religious sentiments. Therefore, this should not be another challenge for us. My opinion is that no political party, politician, or pressure group should challenge the peace or coexistence of the people in this country further.

To what extent should we be cautious about “false information” during the upcoming election period?

False information or inaccurate statements are not new in politics or political platforms. It is a normal situation. What we need to prioritize is that our country comes first before any political views, party, or politician. We have been misled, deceived, and suffered for a long time because of these issues. I especially want to urge the younger generation in this country. This is a decisive moment, both ideologically and economically, to transform this country. Choose a leader who can provide support for the country, whether it is through words or actions.

A few years ago, the story of Dr. Shafi was a news sensation. Today, it has become a piece of misinformation and disinformation . Such things could happen again in the future, right?

No matter what happens in the world, politics is a part of it. Fundamentally, humans are endowed with the ability to think practically. If people could understand and judge the issues like fraud doctors, fake cures, and fraudulent clothing with critical thinking back then, we would be living in a better society today. I am saying not to accept everything told or shown in the news without question. Consider whether it is possible, and always maintain the suspicion that there may be unseen forces behind these matters. We gave our excess money to England to cover their budget deficit in 1948. Consider how a country in such a situation could be one that survives on IMF loans. This is a country that can be developed with coconuts, cinnamon, and palm oil. Therefore, let us assist in the development of entrepreneurship in this country in any way we can.

In the upcoming election, will you vote for Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, or Anura Kumara Dissanayake?

As a religious leader, I have not yet made a decision. It is not relevant to me who comes to power. What matters is what the incoming leader will do for the innocent, helpless, and poor people in this country. When making my decision, I carefully consider these factors and then use my vote.