Opposition Parties Rally Against the Government
23-Nov-2025.
A mass demonstration organized under the theme “The powerful voice of the people against the corrupt National People’s Power government” was held in Nugegoda on November 21.
The meeting commenced at 3:45 p.m. at the Ananda Samarakoon Open-Air Theatre with multi-faith religious observances. Following the prayers, a two-minute silence was observed in memory of the security forces personnel who had sacrificed their lives for the country.
Despite security restrictions and rising political tensions, hundreds of people gathered successfully. The rally served as a clear signal of the public’s strong opposition to the government’s policies and governance.
Representatives of several political parties—including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, United National Party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, Janatha Sevaka Party, and Nava Janatha Peramuna—took part in the demonstration. Senior politicians such as Nimal Siripala de Silva, Mahinda Amaraweera, Duminda Dissanayake, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Dilan Perera, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale, and Rajitha Senaratne were among the participants.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had announced earlier in Colombo that he would attend the rally, but he did not participate. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had travelled to India, was also absent. Several senior UNP leaders—including Ruwan Wijewardene and Akila Viraj Kariyawasam—did not attend either. Although a number of MPs from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya were expected, none were seen at the event.
About an hour after the meeting began, Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the SLPP and a Member of Parliament, arrived and was welcomed with loud applause during the speech of MP Samara Sampath. Following Sampath’s address, Udaya Gammanpila, Harin Fernando, and several others spoke. When Namal was invited to deliver the final address, supporters ascended the stage with him, and he spoke amidst them.
