Sri Lankan cricketers ranging from former captains to swashbuckling batters either took to their social media handles or the streets of Colombo, to register their protest against the economic crisis and governance issues affecting the island nation. While the general reaction was one of solidarity with the players, a few were however criticised for being a bit soft on the ruling dispensation.
Excerpts of reactions from cricketers.
Kumar Sangakkara: Sri Lankans are going through one of the toughest times imaginable. It is heartbreaking to see the despair of people and families as they struggle to make it through the day, and each day for them gets harder. The people are raising their voices and asking for what is needed: a solution. While some are reacting in resentment and anger to that voice, others are trying to take undue advantage of it. The people are not an enemy. Sri Lanka is its people. Time is fast running out, the people and their future must be protected and provided for.
Mahela Jayawardene: I am sad to see emergency law and curfew in Sri Lanka. The government cannot ignore the needs of the people who have every right to protest. Detaining people who do is not acceptable and I am very proud of the brave Sri Lankan lawyers who rushed to their defence. True leaders own up to mistakes. There is massive urgency here to protect the people of our country united in their suffering. These problems are man-made and can be fixed by the right, qualified people. Certain people controlling the economy of this country have lost the people’s confidence and must stand down. We then need a good team to give the country confidence and belief. There is no time to waste. It is time to be humble, not make excuses and to do the right thing. #PeoplePower.
Sanath Jayasuriya: During the past month we Sri Lankans have suffered together silently. Everything and everyone has a breaking point. We have reached that point. Yesterday’s protests were a result of innocent people’s suffering and unfair oppression. Let us never be divided on race, religion, caste or party politics. Let’s unite as ‘ONE PEOPLE’ and stand up for ourselves, our children and the future generations to come. #WakeUpSriLanka. It’s about us and not them. Protest peacefully, don’t damage public property and please don’t hurt your fellow brother or sister. This is not about rioting. It’s about taking a stand for what is right.
Roshan Mahanama: I am writing this post with a very heavy heart as I am hurt and sad to see the state of my country which is on the brink of an economic depression, caused by our incompetent power-hungry rulers. I must say that I love my country and I am more patriotic than most of these so-called leaders, as I did not leave the country, when I got an opportunity. I request all of you to set aside religion, race, political parties, beliefs and stand as one nation at this point in time. Let us raise our voices and say “Enough is Enough!!” I stand with the people of this country, joined by a common purpose to take our beautiful motherland out of these dark times and create a peaceful environment for our future generations.
