Memes

February 2, 2025 – February 8, 2025

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:

Top: “Exhibiting weapons bought on credit will not instil pride” – Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abayarathna

Bottom: Our boys in the military at the Independence Day celebration this time

Context: Speaking at the Big Focus TV programme on TV Derana prior to Independence Day, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abayarathna stated that it is the government’s view that exhibiting weapons bought on credit will not serve to instil any pride [about the country].

Meme 2:

We do not want the multi-barrells purchased on credit.

[Instead], we will celebrate independence with pride with the pickaxes, bows and hatchets made in 88/89 and wearing the underwear donated by others.

Context: The meme depicts a march by the JVP, and refers to the weapons allegedly used by the JVP during the 1988/89 insurgency. Additionally, leading up to the election in 2024, some NPP politicians stated during political meetings/programmes that they were wearing clothes loaned by friends, and that the economy of the country was so bad that it was not possible to afford even new underwear

Meme 3:

Let us say that the president and the 159 MPs can be excused; but the TV presenter went to great lengths just to avoid saying the word “war hero”.

Meme 4:

What everyone was talking about today: President Anura Kumara came for the Independence Day celebration wearing his seat belt. It is our good fortune that the First Citizen of our country is such an exemplary figure.

Meme 5:

Said there can be no pride in weapons bought on credit

Turned the commando regiment into a unit that distributes flood relief

Hid the weapons and scrapped the exhibitions of the Navy and the Air Force

Yelled at the Sinhala people saying no room will be given for racism

Wore the seat belt and left the dobis (trans. laundry worker; disparaging reference to those who support and justify the government’s actions indiscriminately) in tears

Meme 6:

Title: The patriot for one day 

Box 1: Looks like you are celebrating Independence Day

Box 2: Machan, didn’t you see the whole village is celebrating it??

Box 3:  How many years since we gained independence? 

Box 4: Only the white foreigners would know that