Colombo, Aug 24 (Sunday): Sri Lanka’s opposition parties have strongly condemned the arrest of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe, calling it an “undemocratic” move and a “petty act of political vengeance.”
On Sunday, leaders of all major opposition parties gathered in Colombo for a joint press conference, demanding Wickremesinghe’s immediate release. He was arrested over allegations of misusing state funds during his tenure as president.
Former president Maithripala Sirisena, addressing the media, said the arrest sets a dangerous precedent. “Our country is used to very open democratic practices,” he said, urging the government to stop targeting political opponents under the guise of accountability.
The opposition coalition warned that Wickremesinghe’s detention could deepen political instability in the island nation, which is still recovering from an economic crisis and ongoing public discontent. They accused the ruling administration of attempting to silence dissent and erode Sri Lanka’s democratic values.