Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has accused the Government of engaging in a process aimed at suppressing the country’s democratic system and the opposition.
He made these remarks today (06) while speaking at the 80th anniversary celebrations of the United National Party (UNP) at Sirikotha.
Wickremesinghe alleged that the government has now begun taking action against the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), doctors and Buddhist monks, while also imposing restrictions and the harassment of political parties.
He further claimed that politicians were being arrested without sufficient grounds, describing these actions as part of an attempt to suppress democracy, the opposition and independent trade unions.
“Everything being done today is aimed at destroying the country’s democratic system and the Opposition. There is also an attempt to eliminate independent trade unions,” the former President said.
Referring to the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, Wickremesinghe said the UNP had opposed it because the Government had not included a provision requiring a referendum. He said the party had therefore sought a referendum through the courts to establish its legality.
Wickremesinghe also alleged that the Government was targeting professional groups, including lawyers and doctors, while expressing particular concern over what he described as a campaign against Buddhist monks.
He claimed that such actions would undermine the Constitution and the sovereignty of the people.
The former President also alleged that the Opposition was being denied adequate opportunities to speak in Parliament. Referring to an incident involving Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya, he claimed that Amarasuriya had not been permitted to enter Parliament when he was invited by the Opposition Leader.
“Considering these developments, we must ask where this country is being governed from Parliament or Pelawatte?” Wickremesinghe questioned.
He stressed the need to safeguard the sovereignty of the people and uphold the Constitution, including its provisions relating to the sovereignty of the people and the protection of Buddhism.
Calling for political forces to unite, Wickremesinghe said, “We must all come together. In 1946, everyone came together to create a free Sri Lanka. Today, we must once again act together to protect the sovereignty of the country.”
