Two former Presidents of Sri Lanka, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Maithripala Sirisena, have expressed their strong opposition to the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently in remand custody.
Addressing a press conference organized today (24) by the joint opposition under the theme *“Let’s Defeat Constitutional Dictatorship”*, former President Sirisena said the government was “making the coffin to bury democracy in every way.” He emphasized that the Maha Sangha, artists, civil society, the media, and the public must unite against what he described as an “anti-democratic process.”
Sirisena also remarked that Wickremesinghe’s arrest could be viewed as a turning point in his political career, but stressed that he completely opposed the process itself. “We will make the utmost commitment to free former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and protect democracy,” he declared.
In his speech, Sirisena drew historical parallels with the struggles for democracy in other countries, warning that Sri Lanka’s democratic traditions, built since independence, were now under serious threat. He urged all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, to unite in defense of democracy.
Meanwhile, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who is recovering from leg surgery, sent a written message of solidarity. The statement, read out by UNP Chairperson Thalatha Athukorale, expressed her grave concern over the arrest and pledged wholehearted support to the opposition’s efforts to resist any move undermining democracy.
