August 24, Colombo (LNW): In an unprecedented show of unity, leaders from across Sri Lanka’s opposition spectrum convened today (24 August) in Colombo to condemn the arrest and remand of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, warning that the move marks a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism.
Held under the banner “Let’s Defeat the Constitutional Dictatorship”, the joint press conference saw political rivals and former critics of Wickremesinghe come together in defence of democratic principles, asserting that the government’s actions represent an abuse of legal processes to suppress dissent.
The event was attended by a broad range of political figures, including Former President Maithripala Sirisena, SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa, Wajira Abeywardana, Sagala Rathnayaka, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Harin Fernando, and several other former ministers and Members of Parliament from across party lines.
In a striking display of political solidarity, many of the attendees had previously been outspoken critics of Wickremesinghe’s leadership, yet now find themselves rallying behind him in the face of what they allege is a politically motivated detention.
Maithripala Sirisena, addressing the media first, pledged full cooperation from all opposition forces to seek the release of the former president. “This is not just about one individual. This is about defending our democracy. All stakeholders will work with commitment and urgency,” he said.
Former Minister Thalatha Athukorala, General Secretary of the UNP, read out a statement from former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who had earlier condemned the arrest as a calculated assault on democratic values.
Representing the collective voice of the opposition, Prof. G. L. Peiris provided a legal and constitutional critique of the arrest. He stated that while addressing corruption is vital, the responsibility of determining guilt lies solely with the judiciary — not the executive.
“Ranil Wickremesinghe has not been convicted of any crime. According to the Constitution, he is presumed innocent. He poses no flight risk and has remained actively engaged in political life. With testimony from 33 witnesses already recorded, there is no reasonable concern about witness tampering. So what then is the justification for this arrest?” Peiris asked.
He went on to assert that the arrest does not meaningfully assist the ongoing investigation, and instead, erodes public confidence in the impartiality of legal institutions.
Other prominent voices — including Sagara Kariyawasam (SLPP General Secretary), Mano Ganesan (Leader, Tamil Progressive Alliance), Patali Champika Ranawaka (Leader, United Republican Front), Rauff Hakeem (Sri Lanka Muslim Congress), and former ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva and Dayasiri Jayasekara — echoed similar sentiments.
Many accused the ruling administration of orchestrating a strategic crackdown to intimidate political opposition and consolidate power, all while projecting a façade of legal integrity.
