Claiming that Sri Lanka’s multi-party democratic system is facing threats under the Government, UN) Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that political parties should work together to defend democratic institutions, setting aside ideological differences.
He made these remarks during a meeting held with several Opposition party leaders yesterday (25) to discuss coordinated political action and current national issues.
Wickremesinghe said that political parties in Sri Lanka have historically functioned both as allies and rivals, and added that such differences are normal features of democracy. “We belong to different political parties. At times, we have worked together and at other times, we have opposed each other. That is part of democracy." He said that successive political leaders, despite disagreements, had collectively safeguarded democratic governance while developing the country’s economy and society. He noted that progress in education, healthcare and economic opportunities had been achieved within a democratic framework that allowed participation across the society.
Speaking further, he said that recent developments indicate pressure on democratic freedoms. "There have been incidents involving intimidation directed at lawyers and the professional independence within the legal community is being challenged. Attempts are being made to restrict the functioning of political parties while certain groups are conducting campaigns targeting Buddhist monks. These are matters that all political parties must oppose. We must protect the rights of citizens first. After safeguarding democracy, we can debate other political issues,” he said.
The meeting took place at Wickremesinghe’s office on Flower Road, Colombo 7. The group of leaders of Opposition parties held a high-level meeting with Wickremesinghe yesterday to discuss strategies for coordinated action across Opposition parties. The discussions focused on building unity among party leaders and addressing pressing national issues, including the ongoing coal procurement controversy, organised crime killings, and the gas supply crisis.
The meeting took place in Colombo, with several senior politicians in attendance, including former Ministers, attorneys Udaya Gammanpila, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Thalatha Athukorala, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Mahinda Amaraweera, and Sagala Ratnayaka.
UNP sources said that the meeting is part of ongoing efforts by Opposition leaders to coordinate policy positions and respond collectively to national challenges.