By Anura Kumara’s Unlikely Spiritual Journey: JVP Leader’s Week-Long Religious Pilgrimage Raises Eyebrows
In a surprising turn of events, lifelong atheist and JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake embarked on a week-long religious pilgrimage, visiting multiple sacred sites and seeking blessings from religious leaders across Sri Lanka. For a politician who has long dismissed all forms of religion, this sudden shift has left many questioning the motives behind his newfound piety, notes Sunday Times Columnist Don Manu .
The transformation began last Friday when Anura Kumara, once vocal about his disdain for mixing religion with politics, was seen visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. Devotees at the temple were taken aback as the self-proclaimed atheist entered the office of the Nayaka Thera, carrying a traditional ‘ata pirikara’ offering and seeking blessings—a gesture reminiscent of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit just the day before.
This move starkly contrasts with Anura Kumara’s stance during the 2019 presidential election, when he criticized other candidates for exploiting religion for political gain. He had famously declared that the JVP would never engage in such practices, denouncing the use of religion as a tool in election campaigns. However, it seems his principles have evolved as the next election looms.
Surprising for a man who said—as JVP presidential candidate five years ago—in an interview on Ada Derana TV in September 2019 that: “We believe the greatest respect we can give religion is not to bring religion into the election battleground. I ask why candidates who go to meet the Maha Nayakas, bring TV crews? We will not be like them selling religion at elections. We are not TV Buddhists.” Funny how principles dramatically change within a gap of five short years on the virtual eve of elections.
Hindu Temple
The religious tour continued on Saturday when Anura Kumara, accompanied by fellow atheist and JVP member Sunil Handunnetti, visited the Sri Manikka Vinayagur Kovil in Bambalapitiya. There, a pooja was held to invoke the blessings of Hindu gods on the JVP leader and his team, marking another significant departure from his usual rhetoric.
The following day, Sunday, saw Anura Kumara at the Archbishop’s Palace, where he met with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. During this visit, he pledged to ensure justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks and promised to uphold the rule of law—statements that align with the Catholic Church’s ongoing concerns about the unresolved case.
Not stopping there, Anura Kumara also sought blessings from the custodian monk of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura. Despite his past criticisms of politicians using religious symbols for personal gain, he accepted a ‘pirith nool’ string bracelet, adding to a growing collection of religious tokens.
This series of religious visits culminated in a stop at the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulema office in Maligawatte, where Anura Kumara discussed his policies with Islamic leaders and received their blessings. His week-long spiritual journey saw him embracing Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, marking a remarkable departure from his previously staunch atheism.
Critics have been quick to point out the irony of Anura Kumara’s sudden religious fervor, with some accusing him of political opportunism. As the election approaches, the JVP leader’s newfound embrace of religion raises questions about whether this transformation is genuine or simply a calculated move to garner broader support.
For a man who once shunned all forms of religious expression, this week of religious engagements may signal a strategic shift in his approach to politics, one that acknowledges the profound influence of faith on Sri Lankan society. Whether this will resonate with voters or be seen as a cynical ploy remains to be seen as the election draws nearer.
