Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued a strong warning over the emergence of an extremist ideological movement within parts of the Muslim community, referred to as “Super Muslims.” Speaking at a National People’s Power (NPP) rally in Batticaloa, the President emphasized that this ideology does not represent the broader Muslim population and is showing signs of radicalization.
“This is not something supported by ordinary Muslims,” he stated. “But what’s emerging appears to be a twisted and extremist path. We must be alert and ready to act. Appropriate security measures are essential to prevent it from escalating.”
Though President Dissanayake did not reference it directly, the warning comes against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s painful history with extremism — most notably the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, in which coordinated suicide bombings by Islamist extremists killed over 250 people. That tragedy, a result of radical ideologies growing unchecked, still casts a shadow over national security discourse today.
Separately, while addressing a rally in Kantale, President Dissanayake turned his focus to the upcoming local government elections, urging the public to hand control of local councils to the NPP for real change and clean governance.
“We’re bringing a new budget in November and calling for proposals by June,” he said. “When a local council like Kantale — which has low income but many needs — submits a genuine request, we’ll approve the funding without hesitation if it’s under NPP control.”
He made it clear, however, that councils run by parties previously involved in corruption would be scrutinized thoroughly. “We know how they operated — a bit of concrete for the road, the rest in their pockets. We’re not giving money for that anymore.”
President Dissanayake asserted that meaningful development can only happen if the people entrust all local councils to the NPP. “Otherwise, we’ll be stuck with paralyzed councils that block national efforts. That can’t continue.”
