{
  "id": 11064343,
  "title": "Cabinet spokesman explains why Thileepan statue was removed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/cabinet-spokesman-explains-why-thileepan-statue-was-removed",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T00:02:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/cabinet-spokesman-explains-why-thileepan-statue-was-removed/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa clarified the reason behind the removal of Thileepan's statue on 27 September. He emphasized that the laws of the country do not permit the promotion of a banned organization, including their flags, logo, and other related symbols. According to Jayatissa, legal action will be taken against activities that violate these laws. The minister disclosed that police had presented facts to the court before taking action regarding the statue's removal. This was the first instance of erecting a statue at the memorial, as previous commemorations had utilized photographs. The explanation provided by the government comes after the statue was taken away on the morning following the conclusion of the 12-day commemoration, marking the 39th year since Thileepan's death. Thileepan initiated his death fast, demanding the removal of Indian troops brought to Sri Lanka to disarm the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) under the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord of July 1987.",
  "summary": "Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has said that the law does not permit the promotion of a proscribed organisation and that police had placed facts before a court before acting. The Minister said so in response to the media queries at the post-Cabinet briefing regarding the removal of Thileepan’s statue on 27 September. “The laws […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa explained removal of Thileepan statue on 27 September",
    "Laws prohibit promotion of banned organizations, including their symbols",
    "Police provided facts to court before statue removal"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}