Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe has voiced concerns over the minimal representation of government members in the media and on social media, stating that a very small group of politicians are bearing the brunt of public criticism due to their visible presence.
Participating in a discussion on a YouTube channel, Abeysinghe revealed that only a handful of MPs, including himself, are actively engaging with the public through social platforms and facing media scrutiny.
Out of 159 Members of Parliament, he said, only 15 are regularly active in the media, leaving the vast majority with minimal visibility and accountability.
“Very few in this government can answer for everything,” Abeysinghe said, noting that the limited number of representatives taking on these responsibilities has led to an unequal distribution of public scrutiny.
“The burden of explaining policies and defending the administration is unfairly placed on this small group, and as a result, we are the ones who are frequently targeted,” he said.
He pointed out that as one of the few faces of the government in the media, he, along with his fellow MP Lakmali Hemachandra, has been subject to harsh criticism and mockery online.
Abeysinghe also referenced President Anura Dissanayake, saying that even the president, who has limited direct engagement with the media, has increasingly become the subject of memes.
This, he argued, reflects the broader issue of inadequate communication between the government and the public.
Abeysinghe expressed frustration over the disproportionate pressure placed on him and others like him, as they are often left to defend the administration in challenging times.
“I’m being attacked severely on social media,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the difficulties of maintaining a public image while facing constant online backlash.
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