The government has launched a program to intimidate the country's lawyers - Ranil

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he would provide his full support to safeguard the country's multi-party democratic system, as it is currently facing a severe threat. He emphasized this during a special meeting held yesterday (25) between representatives of the newly formed "Hada" (Voice) organization, comprising several opposition political parties, and the former President, at his political office on Flower Road in Colombo.

He also pointed out the urgent need for the entire opposition to unite on a single front to defeat the program aimed at intimidating the legal community and operating against the Venerable Maha Sangha.

Further commenting, Mr. Wickremesinghe pointed out that it is a fundamental characteristic of democracy for people with diverse political ideologies to work together as well as against each other. He recalled that since 1948, everyone has worked to protect democracy in this country and create a new resurgence in the health, education, and economic sectors, and that both Sri Lanka and India are enjoying the fruits of that democratic freedom. The former President clarified that regardless of political differences, all parties are bound by agreement to protect the economy, foreign and domestic affairs, education, and the multi-party system.

The former President also expressed deep concern regarding the organized campaign against the Maha Sangha carried out through social media and the repression targeting lawyers. The recent murder of a lawyer and his wife, as well as attempts to implicate opposition activists in various cases under different charges, came under his strong criticism. He assured that he, along with the United National Party, would provide full support to defeat such attempts aimed at hindering the activities of political parties and social media, and influencing the independence of the judiciary.

"We are currently witnessing a program to intimidate lawyers in the country. Similarly, a group on social media is running a large campaign against the Sangha. We must oppose all of this. Not only must we oppose it, but we must also protect the rights of the people. We have continuously discussed the murder of the lawyer and his wife. They are trying to implicate all of us in cases by leveling various charges. This is an attempt to prevent parties from operating. It is also an attempt to prevent social media from being active. It is an attempt to destroy the independence of judicial lawyers. We must act together for this. My full support, as well as that of the United National Party, will be given to work with you on these matters."

Speaking at the event, former Minister Professor G.L. Peiris stated that the opposition should unite under a common program in the face of national crises, while preserving their respective party identities. He also said that the democratic culture of this country is under severe attack through street killings and the continuous incarceration of opposition leaders. Former Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Udaya Gammanpila, former Members of Parliament Asanka Navaratne, Premanath C. Dolawatta, Jayantha Wijesinghe, Sugishwara Bandara, as well as United National Party representatives Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, General Secretary Talatha Atukorala, and National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake, also participated in this discussion.