A series of video clips showing a controversial statement made by a tuition teacher, disrespecting the renowned Sinhala author Martin Wickramasinghe, has gone viral on social media. The teacher, Thameera Herath Jayasinghe, who teaches Chemistry under the pseudonym ‘Chegura’, made the remarks during an online class.

In the video, he referred to Martin Wickramasinghe as a “fool” and claimed that students do not enjoy reading works like Gamperaliya. He questioned why Wickramasinghe is considered a great author and argued that the author’s value is limited to what is taught in school textbooks or by teachers, suggesting that students only study these works to pass exams rather than for enjoyment.

The teacher also criticized the inclusion of Sinhala literature in the syllabus and distorted a poem from the Salalihini Sandeshaya, adding vulgar language while singing it. His comments included statements such as:

“Who is that fool Martin Wickramasinghe who wrote ‘Gamperaliya’? Do you really enjoy reading it? Even if he is called a great author, what is his specialty? School textbooks and teachers make him out to be a big deal, but I think that’s misleading. We study these works for exams, but how can someone who makes reading unenjoyable be a ‘great author’? To me, Sinhala literature and its objectives are just nonsense.”

The incident triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many expressing strong disapproval and protest.

Facing significant public backlash, the teacher issued a public apology on January 20 during a live Facebook session. He explained that an example he used to clarify a topic in a paid, closed class had been edited into a TikTok video and circulated widely.

However, he acknowledged his responsibility for the statements, admitting that his words were unnecessary and inappropriate. He expressed regret for his remarks, apologized to those affected, and pledged to act responsibly to prevent similar incidents in the future.