“We Will Defeat Constitutional Authoritarianism”: Opposition
26-Aug-2025.
All opposition parties have united to strongly condemn the government’s authoritarian actions, stating “We will defeat constitutional authoritarianism” in response to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest.
The government, prioritizing political revenge, ignores the principle that everyone is equal before the law. The fate that has befallen Ranil today could happen to someone else tomorrow.
Therefore, to protect democracy and the Constitution, all parties must unite regardless of political affiliation. Opposition leaders emphasized their commitment to protecting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
A special media briefing was held in Colombo on August 24, with the participation of opposition leaders and representatives including former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, feaders of the Tamil Progressive Alliance, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Labour National Union, United Republican Front, and United National Party, Members of Parliament including Kavinda Jayawardena, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Ravi Karunanayake, Namal Rajapaksa, former ministers such as Susil Premjayantha, GL Peiris, Thuminda Dissanayake, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Dilan Aluwihare, Mahinda Amaraweera, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and others.
Although former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapaksa were invited, they did not attend. The statement issued by Chandrika Bandaranaike regarding Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest was read by UNP Secretary General Dullas Alahapperuma during the briefing.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena said in his speech that he is concerned about the arrest. Observing the current trajectory of the nation, he noted that democratic institutions are under threat. Since independence in 1948, democracy in the country has gradually strengthened, but now its foundations appear to be eroding. He called on all to unite across party lines to defend the nation and democracy, and stated that actions will be taken for the release of Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Former Minister GL Peiris added that the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is unacceptable. He was arrested in connection with allegations during a public event attended in his capacity as President, and police investigations have not been completed.
The government is silencing dissent through intimidation, undermining democratic institutions. Everyone must unite to overcome this.
Raouf Hakeem, leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, emphasized that the rule of law must be enforced in the country, with equality before the law. However, there is significant doubt about whether this is being practiced, noting incidents where court rulings are pre-announced on social media. Such trends are anti-democratic.
Opposition leaders and Members of Parliament called for united resistance to the government’s authoritarian actions under the Constitution, emphasizing collective efforts to protect democracy.
