Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stressed that preserving Sri Lanka’s multi-party system is vital for safeguarding democracy, warning that its erosion would silence the voices of millions, Mawbima Newspaper reported.
Speaking on the importance of political diversity, Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka has thrived under a multi-party framework since 1947, enabling citizens to express a wide range of opinions. “If the multi-party system is lost, many people will not have the chance to raise their voices,” he cautioned, accusing the National People’s Forces government of attempting to weaken this democratic foundation.
He reminded that all political parties must oppose such practices and instead work together for the nation’s stability. Wickremesinghe also pointed out that while leaders over the past 76 years had both successes and shortcomings, the multi-party system remained a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s political journey.
Highlighting global examples, the former President noted that many nations have advanced through strong multi-party democracies, while others collapsed due to mismanagement of political pluralism. “We must unite and protect this system,” he urged, framing it as the safeguard for Sri Lanka’s democratic future.
