Sri Lanka, Jan. 8 -- A group of academics, professionals and civil society members has strongly condemned what they describe as a vicious smear campaign and personalised attacks targeting Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya.

In a statement, the signatories said the attacks have exceeded all bounds of civility and decency in a democratic society, asserting that much of the hostility is rooted in misogynistic jealousy, hatred and animosity towards PM Amarasuriya as a nationally and internationally respected woman leader.

They warned the public against being misled by propaganda propagated by regressive forces pursuing narrow political and ideological agendas, and said the campaign represents a dangerous erosion of ...