In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized Dr. Amarasuriya’s steadfast commitment to academic freedom and democratic engagement—core values essential for fostering critical discourse in educational settings.
The statement dismissed allegations suggesting that the Prime Minister or the Minister of Education influenced the university’s decision as baseless and misleading. It further clarified that no directives or instructions were issued by the office regarding the event.
Highlighting the autonomy of academic institutions, the statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving universities as spaces for diverse opinions, including critiques of government policies, to be freely expressed and discussed without fear of suppression.
“We are concerned about any actions that undermine democratic expression and open dialogue within academic spaces,” the statement noted, reiterating the importance of protecting such principles.
Dr. Amarasuriya also reaffirmed her dedication to safeguarding the rights of students and educators to participate in meaningful and critical discourse. She underscored that upholding these values is crucial for maintaining the trust and confidence of the university community and the broader public.
