Opposition political parties claim that 20 political parties have agreed to support the solidarity protest against the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which is scheduled to be held in Colombo today (Aug. 26). Thousands of people, regardless of party affiliation, are expected to participate in the protest at Galle Face and Fort under the theme *“Let’s Defeat Constitutional Dictatorship.”*
The opposition states that this will be the largest protest held since the National People’s Power government came to power, with the participation of the Maha Sangha, other religious leaders, professionals, public servants, farmers, workers, and youth.
According to the opposition, political activists from every district of the island—including party leaders, members of parliament, and former ministers—will join the demonstration. They also claim that more than 20 political parties, including the United National Party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Sarva Jana Balaya, and Podujana Eksath Peramuna, have pledged their support. Protest marches have also been organized along all major roads leading to the Fort area.
Speaking on the matter, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the people of Sri Lanka are coming together in Colombo today to stand up for justice and democracy. He emphasized that this protest is not against the judicial process but rather an exercise of the people’s right to think, express opinions, and organize. He added that throughout history, people have risen against injustice and anti-democratic acts, and this will continue.
Premadasa further stated that the opposition does not intend to obstruct the judicial process and that the people’s opposition to those insulting the judiciary has already been made clear. He stressed that citizens have the right to rally against injustice without distinction of race, religion, caste, creed, party, or color, and that they will naturally rise when their freedom is threatened.
Meanwhile, the political movement under the theme *“Let’s Defeat Constitutional Dictatorship”* has formally received the support of 20 opposition political parties. These include the United National Party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Podujana Eksath Peramuna, Sarva Jana Balaya, Jathika Nidahas Peramuna, and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya.
In addition, the Sri Lanka Republican Front, United People’s Party, EPDP, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, and New Democratic Front have also expressed their support. The Sri Lanka People’s Party, Tamil National Alliance, Ceylon Workers’ Congress, Democratic People’s Front, Workers’ National Front, Jananayake Tamil Thesiya Kuttani, and National Congress have joined the movement as well.
In preparation for the protest, all police OICs have been instructed to take necessary steps to maintain law and order in Colombo and the surrounding areas. Riot control units have also been placed on alert and will be deployed if required, according to a senior police officer.
