Memes

February 16, 2026 – February 24, 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:

Context: One of the main reasons cited for the Maha Sangha Convention was Minister K.D. Lal Kantha referring to the chief incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Walawahangunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, as a wanachariya (savage or literal translation, “forest dweller”). The group organising the convention interpreted the comment as a slur on all Buddhist monks as a whole.

Meme 2:

Frame: “The mothers [in this country] who went to have a look when the first train was brought to Sri Lanka, covered their children’s faces with the cloth they were wearing upon seeing that a certain component of the train was being operated similarly to a reproductive organ. A country that possesses such knowledge on sexual matters has no need for fresh sex education!” – Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera (speaking at the “Maha Sangha Convention”).

Caption: This statement by itself is sufficient to help understand why sex education is so important for Sri Lanka. 

Meme 3:

The train’s reproductive organ

Context: See Meme 2

Meme 4:

Where are the 8,000 they said they would bring?

Meme 5:

Context: While touring the UK, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa was scheduled to speak at the Oxford Union (February 25, 2026) and the Cambridge Union (February 27, 2026), but both debating societies cancelled the planned events following backlash and protest plans.

Meme 6:

Text in red – Henchman 1, Henchman 2, Henchman 3, Henchman 4

Text near the politician image: Sarath Weerasekara

Text in the box – There is a limit to the patience of Sinhala Buddhists.