Ranil Wickremesinghe warns of democratic erosion in Sri Lanka

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has accused the current Sri Lankan government of attempting to erode the nation's democratic foundations and neutralize political opposition. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United National Party (UNP), Wickremesinghe warned that the country's democratic system faces growing threats from within its own governance structures.

Wickremesinghe specifically condemned the arrest and remand of SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa and alleged that restrictions targeting political parties, professional organizations, and the Bar Association are weakening the opposition. He questioned whether the country is being governed from Parliament or from Pelawatte, calling for civil society and political groups to unite to protect people's sovereignty.

Reflecting on the UNP's history, Wickremesinghe noted the party's roots with founding members such as D. S. Senanayake and D. A. Rajapaksa. He announced that the party will hold a convention in December to present a modernized UNP with new faces and policies aimed at building Sri Lanka for the 21st century.