“Do Not Attempt to Retain Power at Gunpoint” – Sri Lanka Freedom Party

27-Sep-2025

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“We will rebuild the Sri Lanka Freedom Party into a strong force among the people. State power must be transferred democratically through elections. If the government tries to cling to power at gunpoint, the people will deliver an appropriate response,” former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Speaking at the 66th death anniversary commemoration of former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike on Sptember 26 at Horagolla Memorial Stupa, he added:

“The NPP government claims it cannot return power. But absolute power cannot be maintained at gunpoint. Power must change hands democratically through elections. Even when Gotabaya Rajapaksa won 6.9 million votes in 2020, we thought he would last 10–15 years. But within two years, he was forced to resign.

This government must also face elections when the time comes, ruling only on the mandate given by the people. If instead they resort to violence, the people will give them the right response,” he said.