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:

More than 300 containers released by mistake

Prisoners released under a presidential pardon by mistake

Porn sites added to school textbooks by mistake

Substandard coal imported by mistake

USD 2.5 million paid to a hacker by mistake

A contractor paid twice by mistake

To err is the quality of an NPP member, to forgive is the quality of a dobi (a disparaging reference to NPP supporters who indiscriminately justify the government’s actions, especially on social media).

Meme 2:

The jeppi (JVP/NPP) dictionary that develops the country by switching words:

“Theft and fraud” = “Financial irregularity”

“Bank loan” = “Financial cooperation”

“Commissions and bribes” = “Social capital”

“The place where beautiful names are given to theft”.

Meme 3:

Meme 4:

Top: Let us rise Sri Lanka

Middle: We can Sri Lanka

Bottom: Disappeared Sri Lanka; it is a case where all 6.8 million [who voted for the NPP] may disappear

Context: The phrases at the top and in the middle refer to respective development campaigns launched by former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Meme 5:

Basil Rajapaksa: Even I do not know those methods, and they are so quick too.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake: These are socialist digital methods

Meme 6:

Upon finding out that USD 2.5 million has disappeared: “I am not a cybersecurity system.”

Meme 7:

In the past, witnesses were silenced if evidence had to be destroyed. But that is not the case during the time of the Renaissance (NPP) government. Witnesses nowadays die by suicide with great pleasure.

Meme 8:

Meme 9:

Top: “Walk for peace and equality”

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