Arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe a Strong Challenge to Democratic Politics: Opposition Leader Sajith

27-Aug-2025

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Following the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a meeting of political party leaders representing the opposition was held at the Opposition Leader’s Office on August 25 under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Sajith stated that Wickremesinghe’s arrest is not an isolated event but a strong challenge posed to democratic politics. He emphasized the importance of all opposition parties uniting to confront this challenge.

The meeting aimed to formulate short-term and long-term strategies for opposition parties to respond collectively.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena highlighted the need to focus on two key issues: firstly, efforts to secure the release of Ranil Wickremesinghe, and secondly, addressing the challenge to the democratic political process successfully. He called for all parties to temporarily set aside their political differences and unite.

Representatives of all participating opposition parties stressed the importance of continued coordinated action against the government’s anti-democratic agendas, in parallel with legal proceedings in Wickremesinghe’s case.

A working committee, including party secretaries, was appointed to coordinate future activities. It was also decided that all party leaders will reconvene at the Opposition Leader’s Office on 27 August.