Strong Condemnation of Ranil’s Arrest: Sagar Kariyawasam

26-Aug-2025

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We strongly condemn the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The fate that has befallen former President Ranil Wickremesinghe could happen to someone else tomorrow. 

Therefore, everyone must unite against authoritarianism, stated Sagar Kariyawasam, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka People's Front.

He made these remarks during a press meeting of opposition parties held in Colombo on August 24.

He further stated:

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is acting with the sole intention of revenge against former presidents, prioritizing hatred above all else. There is significant doubt as to whether the government followed proper procedures in arresting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

A police officer, who retired from service and later collaborated with the People’s Liberation Front, was reappointed to the police service with Cabinet approval. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been arrested for the sake of this individual.

While we may have differing views regarding the political policies of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, any action against democracy must be opposed collectively. We are united in protecting democracy.

The government, which came to power promising to advance the country within six months, has forgotten its fundamental commitments to the people and is acting solely with political vengeance. The government is attempting to suppress those who point out its failures and exercise authority in an autocratic manner.

We strongly condemn the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The fate that has befallen him could happen to someone else tomorrow. Therefore, everyone must unite against authoritarianism.