Memes

July 6, 2026 – July 12, 2026

This week’s memes:

(The memes published by MPA are presented as objects of analysis and documentation. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement of the views or positions expressed within them, but serves to examine how such narratives circulate in the public sphere.)

Meme 1:

Apparently, the husband and two sons-all three of them-are in prison.

Too bad that the person shouting is outside [not in prison]

Context: This meme is referring to comments made by a relative of an incarcerated person at the time of the clash.

Meme 2:

The one who correctly identifies this actor will receive a tour of Welikada [Prison] 

Context: Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara is the son of a popular Sinhala film director and has also acted in several Sinhala films.  

Meme 3:

Punish all those linked to the unrest at the Negombo Prison.  

All the officers have been killed by being assaulted with the legs of tables and chairs in an utterly savage fashion. 

Meme 4:

It was the officers who took them breakfast that they assaulted and killed.

Not all human beings are prisoners.

Neither are all prisoners human beings.

Context: A slogan on the Welikada Prison wall declares in Sinhala that “All prisoners are human beings”.

Meme 5:

Woman in the meme: My two children and husband are in prison. 

Caption: Aunty, what are you doing outside

Meme 6:

The baiyas (SLPP supporters) then: Shoot if you have to and control them. Abduct them in white vans. Of what use are human rights for prisoners? 

The baiyas now: Whatever it is, it is bad to shoot [them]. Human rights violations. Prisoners are human beings. 

Meme 7:

And now have to start looking for the mastermind of the Negombo case as well 

Meme 8:

No matter what nonsense some are saying, this is a hero who saved many lives – that is all! 

Meme 9:

Top: 1983 July
Text in small box in white (Top): Black July
Bottom: 2026 July

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