Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has accused the Sri Lankan government of pursuing a campaign to suppress the country’s democratic system and weaken the political opposition, warning that recent actions against political parties, professionals and trade unions threaten constitutional protections and popular sovereignty.
Wickremesinghe made the allegations on Sunday (06) while speaking at celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the United National Party. He said the government had begun taking action against the Bar Association, doctors and Buddhist monks, alongside what he described as restrictions and harassment directed at political parties and the arrest of politicians without justification.
According to the former president, these actions form part of a broader effort to weaken democratic institutions, the opposition and independent trade unions. He linked his criticism to the political and constitutional concerns surrounding the 22nd Amendment, saying his party had opposed the amendment because it did not state that a referendum was required by the government.
“We opposed the 22nd Amendment as a party because it did not state that a referendum was required by the government. Therefore, we requested a referendum from the court, which could establish its legality,” Wickremesinghe said.
He argued that the actions currently being taken against political parties and politicians demonstrated a wider attempt to restrict political activity and weaken opposition forces. He also accused the government of seeking to eliminate independent trade unions.
“Now they are attacking the Bar Association, attacking doctors, and another major issue is the campaign being carried out against the Sangha,” he said. “All of this is removing the Constitution and the sovereignty of the people from the country.”
Wickremesinghe also criticised what he described as restrictions placed on opposition participation in Parliament. He specifically referred to an occasion when opposition leader Sajith Premadasa had invited Bar Association President Rajeev Amarasuriya to Parliament, but said Amarasuriya had not been allowed to enter the parliamentary premises.
“Considering these things, where is this country being governed from? From Parliament or from Pelawatte?” Wickremesinghe asked, raising questions about the location and exercise of political authority.
The former president said the protection of popular sovereignty should remain a central priority in such circumstances. He called for the protection of Article 3 of the Constitution and said Article 9, concerning the protection of Buddhism, should also be upheld.
His remarks ultimately called for political unity in defence of the country’s sovereignty. Referring to 1946, when he said all groups had united to establish a free Sri Lanka, Wickremesinghe urged a similar collective effort today.
“Let us all come together. In 1946, everyone came together and created a free Sri Lanka. Today too, let us all act together and protect the sovereignty of the country,” he said.
