At the UNP's 80th anniversary event, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe leveled accusations that the current government is attempting to undermine Sri Lanka's democratic system and weaken the opposition through arrests, restrictions on political parties, and actions against professional groups.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the United National Party's 80th anniversary celebration at Sirikotha, making broad allegations regarding threats to Sri Lanka's democratic institutions. He claimed the government is engaged in a systematic effort to suppress the country's democratic framework and the opposition, citing what he described as increasing restrictions on political activity.
Wickremesinghe enumerated specific concerns, alleging that the government has begun targeting professional bodies including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, medical practitioners, and Buddhist monks. He also claimed that politicians are being arrested without adequate justification and that opposition parties face harassment and limited parliamentary speaking opportunities. According to his account, these actions represent attempts to eliminate independent trade unions and weaken democratic participation.
Regarding constitutional matters, Wickremesinghe stated that the UNP opposed the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution because it lacked a referendum requirement, and the party had sought judicial review on this basis. He also referenced an incident involving Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Bar Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya, claiming that Amarasuriya was prevented from entering Parliament despite being invited by the Opposition Leader.
Wickremesinghe framed his remarks within the UNP's historical role in Sri Lanka's constitutional development, tracing the party's involvement from independence through the introduction of the 1978 Constitution. He called for political unity to protect national sovereignty and constitutional protections, invoking historical precedent from 1946.