Ranil proposes 1,000 joint opposition rallies, satyagrahas, protests

20 September 2025 02:46 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 79 Bookmark

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By Yohan Perera

Colombo , Sep.20 (Daily Mirror) - Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe today called for the organisation of 1,000 joint opposition rallies, satyagrahas and protests, claiming that the incumbent government is attempting to establish a constitutional dictatorship in Sri Lanka.

“We have heard calls from various opposition politicians for a united struggle. Today’s convention marks the beginning of that collective effort,” Wickremesinghe said.

“Let us organise 1,000 joint rallies. Let us also hold satyagrahas. I know some of you are experienced in leading Paada Yatras. So let us unite and stand together against this constitutional dictatorship," he added.

Addressing the crowd at the United National Party (UNP) convention ,Wickremesinghe also spoke about his recent arrest, which he attributed to his official overseas travel.

“I was arrested last month simply for undertaking an official tour to several countries,” he said. “I attended the G77 Summit in Havana, then went to the U.S. for the UN sessions, where I also met with the heads of the World Bank and IMF. My stop in the UK was only a transit. I did not use public funds for this trip. On the advice of my lawyers, I won’t speak further on the arrest at this time,” he said.

Comments - 79

Ravi K Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:04 PM

Ranil wants to disrupt the normalcy and de stabilise our economy. Prisons are the right places for their convictions in the past

24 253

Diana Saturday, 20 September 2025 09:17 PM

Again trying to ruin the country by bringing in his crooks and bank robbers..

9 199

Vincent Kajjah Sunday, 21 September 2025 11:17 AM

There must be a movement forcing the current government to open Mr Vincent Reginald Sylvestor Fernando's (hope I've got the name right, and who suddenly died after giving evidence in camera before the Batalanda Commision) evidence, which is sealed by the order of an ex-president.

0 147

Arjun Wednesday, 24 September 2025 12:26 AM

Nandalal was the deputy of Arjuna Mahendran during the bond scam.

0 3

Selvin Sunday, 21 September 2025 08:49 AM

Manipulator go and get admitted to the prison hospital as you are sick . Please stop your unpatriotic activity against the country.

1 33

Sokrates Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:10 PM

I only know of a few dictators in Sri Lanka from previous governments. With the current government, I only see that it has a two-thirds majority and is exercising it moderately, which is its full right.

9 204

Perera Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:12 PM

Could not organize anything to win one seat in parliament, but trying to organise 1000 rallies to topple the NPP government.

4 213

Aela Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:15 PM

Forget about the 1000, please organise 10 rallies if you can. The 500 people who thronged the courts for you will definitely come.

4 166

Aquarius Sunday, 21 September 2025 12:07 AM

May be not, some are already facing possible legal action.

0 23

Lokka Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:26 PM

Man who failed the nation for 45 years trying to topple a government set up by the people of this country. This will be your last game

6 170

Dr Chaminda Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:32 PM

Ask him to show 10 successful rallies if he can !!! His problem is he can't understand that his lot has been rejected

5 159

Amila Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:43 PM

Useless guy who contributed a lot to destroy this country

6 148

Cheers Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:49 PM

Way forward to show this government they useless and also corrupt and how they came to power with aragalaya

145 17

tilvn Sunday, 21 September 2025 05:05 AM

Stupidity at it best

1 24

Supiri Saturday, 20 September 2025 03:51 PM

A load of crap! Which people should not believe. He is trying to incite sow discord for his own failings.

5 134

Rahulan Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:02 PM

Mad man. Ignore his secondary childhood tantrums please.

6 130

WHAT A FALL FROM SO CALLED GRACE Saturday, 20 September 2025 10:16 PM

Not mad, simply cannot accept the fact that the MAJORITY of voters have rejected HIM, UNP, gas cylinder, all ALLIANCES and now in DESPERATION trying to instigate stooges and supporters to launch PROTESTS.

0 19

Ram P Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:05 PM

Ranil, If you did not use public funds in UK stop over, please explain who spent for your stay in UK. You may succeed in fooling your party people all the time but not the public

5 140

boss Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:06 PM

When the law is taking place properly against the law breakers ,the new word found against it by the law breakers is constitutional dictatorship

4 124

Nihal Dharmatileke Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:06 PM

You are trying to destabilize the country don’t try to imitate JR , you will not come even five percent near him.

4 111

Fuller Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:12 PM

People chased you and your government out, pls stop the bullsht

4 112

Lanka Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:16 PM

You can have more than one million rallies but you can’t do anything to dislodge the government and the NPP is moving into a right direction and the politics of elites and politics of family rule is over in Sri Lanka from now on. The government is moving with many good projects and economy is recovering and tourism is boosting and remittances are increasing and day by day the country is progressing: No more corruption and no more fraud / no more thieves and no more looting : No more political foxes in the country and we have a dynamic team of corruption free MPs, PM and president: Wait and see another 4 years you will see the country as the wonder of Asia: Please leave the country for the young and dynamic leadership and retire from politics with respect : You have done your contribution to this country and now time to retiree with dignity and respect.

4 128

KEEP PRAYING PEOPLE AND STAY THE COURSE. Saturday, 20 September 2025 10:31 PM

LANKA, WELL SAID

0 18

US Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:18 PM

I believe this is his final attempt to obstruct the progress of the new government. Enough is enough. You've done everything possible to suppress and distort the truth. But we are no longer fools, the majority of people are now wise enough to see through your double standards. It's time to step away from politics and spend the remaining years of your life on something meaningful.

4 94

Perera Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:24 PM

Nobody is interested dude. The people are happy with this Government.

4 98

Ngfdhhjjjvv Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:33 PM

Mr. Ranil W, either you make protest, sathtbiya graham's, pada miththras, malimawa is much more a strong team, they have shown results in one year, more than you, you can't except that the country is development is going in a smoother, and a fast track, you wait and see what's going to happen to you on the 29th of October, the second hearing.

3 86

Nihal S Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:44 PM

Let the NPP do the job that you and your friends Rajapakse could not do for many years. Learn to live without power, your team will not be back in power for long time.

7 90

Rajaratnam Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:55 PM

Diabolical wish to cause anarchy in our country to save corrupt politicians and narcotic underworld. Jolly Seeya, this is the most popular and powerful Government Sri Lankans have elected. Be your age.

5 82

Buddhist Saturday, 20 September 2025 04:57 PM

This is the reason why Ranil should not have been sent out of the remand.

4 80

Bankrupt politicians Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:00 PM

Why this old seeya is struggling, now this is the age of retirement and memory loss, but this greedy looser is still struggling. Democracy is the people elected president and the power is in the hands of voters not in the corrupt opposition hands. SLPP is tuning this bankrupt politician and he is dancing to their tune.

4 77

Do Good Deeds Instead Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:03 PM

He should use whatever resources and time to improve the welfare of the people. Mobilise his party and do good deeds instead of creating chaos.

4 70

Sam Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:11 PM

Looks like you are back to good health, why not allow the younger generation to manage without you getting involved . You have lost all elections that you have contested. Please retire.

4 76

Voter Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:14 PM

Let us see you at 1000 rallies and not in your apartment.

4 60

Bernard Jayatilake Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:18 PM

What are going to achieve if the JVP has consolidated its power through various tactics?

3 47

BBM Sunday, 21 September 2025 09:04 AM

Opposition has to consolidate their position by making govt. to bring a new constitution abolishing presidency for the sake of country, people and democracy.

0 4

Rogue Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:20 PM

Well done Ranil, we can count on you to put the last nail in for UNP's coffin. The best you can do is to shut up and get out of politics for the UNP to survive and the country to prosper. In a fragment of your imagination you think the Party or the country can't survive without you.

3 67

Ranil should be remand as evidence against him is overwhelming Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:25 PM

With the prospect of conviction so high, and there being nearly no doubt about Ranil misusing state funds for his personal trip to UK, he should be kept in remand. There is no reason why a man who looks so guilty of the crime should be free trying to probably have rallies to destroy the law and order.

3 62

wickrama Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:36 PM

Appears to be fit enough to go back to Welikada.

3 69

Patriot Saturday, 20 September 2025 05:43 PM

Yes. .All evidence point towards gross misuse of public funds for your private London stopover. The controversy has deepended with altered invitation letters, massive entourages etc. that have come to light. If the charges against you are wrong and false you have the opportunity to defend yourself in the court of law. Dozens of politicians of previous regimes are carrying within them guilt, fearing prosecution for their countless wrongdoings, and now are crying foul. They can bicker all they want. The poor down trodden suffering yet sensible masses of the country will ensure, any attempts to disrupt the progressive path of the AKD goverment will fail. Thankfully, the law appplies to one and all now regardless of power and status. No more elite classes in Sri Lanka. This attempt yet again to destabilize the goverment is more than ridiculous and is certain to suffer a natural premature death, like all else.

4 70

ex-UNPer Saturday, 20 September 2025 06:07 PM

Ranil, You can organize a million rallies but unless you change your vintage deceptive politics and tolerance of the corrupt, only the people who come to get drunk or for the payout you give will attend. Sadly you are too old to understand that change now, so it would be wise to allow younger people to lead the change. Entering parliament or leadership positions in the state through devious ways cant be done more than once.

3 66

Krish Saturday, 20 September 2025 06:22 PM

Seriously. We just climbed up 10 positions in democracy index. That's factual evidence on we are actually becoming better democracy. Saying something again and again doesn't make it true.

3 60

wickrama Saturday, 20 September 2025 06:30 PM

A prime example of a person who exemplifies the fact that just being born to an elite family and attending Royal College does not make a good and honest person.

3 67

Amal Saturday, 20 September 2025 06:30 PM

Can he comment regarding ongoing case at courts.? Anyway Ranil W's recovery is a miracle.. or shall we wait for next day of court hearing...?

3 47

Lalindra Saturday, 20 September 2025 06:34 PM

So this is the man who has been convicted by the Supreme Court for violating human right by imposing emergency regulations during his tenure as acting President.

3 48

Bilal Yusuf Saturday, 20 September 2025 06:54 PM

These Royalist don't know how to take defeat gracefully... have to disturb the peace before leaving.... Seems like he is scared of what Batalanda is going to disclose about his extra curricula fe8ish

3 46

Sambo Saturday, 20 September 2025 07:09 PM

If you can attend 50 never mind the 1000.

3 45

Lkf Saturday, 20 September 2025 07:11 PM

Political "Jungle drums" only promotes insecurity among foreign and local investors, accepting political instability, effecting heavy industrial and long term planning. In a way, suggesting a change in the system, extending parliamentary life from 5 years to 10 years. Why not? It confirms our character and civility. At the end of 5 years, if nothing has achieved, satyagraha or otherwise.SL experienced with ""Aragalaya".Our democracies promotes divisions and illusions. Others outside are worse. Their mistakes - our Education.

3 26

Joe Saturday, 20 September 2025 07:14 PM

Yes mobilise the people to use them as a human shield when justice comes for the past crimes of the politicians.

3 41

What a jock Saturday, 20 September 2025 07:21 PM

This is the same man who was against protest and broke up the Aragalaya and talked big, now he has got desperate and want opposition to protest, if the majority people are not with you, nothing will work. We are happy with the progress of this government so go home please for god sake and let this government rule. You had your chances and you failed miserably.

3 51

pantha kumaran Saturday, 20 September 2025 08:07 PM

Ranil, please understand one thing very clear you have zero chance to lead our country. So please retire from politics.

3 54

Chin Dave Saturday, 20 September 2025 08:10 PM

Ranil Wicks himself and the UNP lead by him for last two decades has been repeatedly rejected by the people of the country. Having been in politics for over 40 years, he has failed to deliver what country needs thus has become obsolete. It’s a big joke that this guy rather than respectfully retire from politics still trying to mislead the public. Get lost you man for the sake of this country.

3 39

Long time oberver Saturday, 20 September 2025 08:22 PM

Rallies ,Satyagrahas , protests are good things to show your anger , dissatisfaction etc. I doubt weather opposition would be able to find a mass to participate on those things . The voices from the people on the street seem to be in line with govt deeds!!!!

3 45

Joshua Saturday, 20 September 2025 08:41 PM

May be you can arrange it in hell with your darling Rajapakshes

4 58

MOTO Saturday, 20 September 2025 09:02 PM

SRI LANKAN PEOPLE WILL REJECT MORE THAN 10 TEN YEARS .

2 40

Rohini Wijetilleke Saturday, 20 September 2025 09:10 PM

Ranil Wickremasinghe has proved himself how inept he is by not getting elected any time. We were in a perpetual situation where the governed had it all ,and those who put them in that situation had nothing. Get real,and let the present government deliver what they promised to get elected. Good luck, once again you will prove your inefficiency.

3 52

Ahmed Saturday, 20 September 2025 09:55 PM

this is more like a fight between people and crooks. the country is in the right path fixing bus stations , train, post office , public bus transport, etc , etc. dont ever disturb this government. this is peoples government. no wonder the previous regime did nothing for the citizens of sri lanka. they only wanted to live a lavish life going in luxury suvs out of peoples money. the opposition is a pest for this country. they're only wasting precious time and disturbing the progress of this country

0 17

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Sunday, 21 September 2025 12:06 AM

You can have a million satyagrahas rallies but not going to go anywhere little reputation you had lost all of it , people doesn't even wants to see your face anymore except some of your paid stoges don't you realise that pathetic.

0 16

Aquarius Sunday, 21 September 2025 12:12 AM

RW, please understand that the government has the majority, we mean 159 seats. They are doing things democratically and not using this majority to force their election manifesto. You have been in the opposition long enough to understand mud slinging and creating chaos is your only option available. In fact, you are not even in the opposition, so keep dreaming.

0 16

Michale Li. Sunday, 21 September 2025 12:34 AM

No amount of protests and sathyagrahas can topple a duly elected government. All those who have come to assit you have no moral right to be credible representatives of the people. Most of you are too old and must retire from public service. Enjoy retirement in the twighligt of your lives.... disgusted with your crave for power even in your old age.!

0 15

SUKUMAR Sunday, 21 September 2025 01:33 AM

Man was almost dying a few weeks ago, according to his lawyers? What a miracle from Jerome to bring him back to life ? The fellow who cannot put his own CPAP machine to go to sleep is talking about 1000 protests ? What a selfish and power hungry mentality

0 16

antspill Sunday, 21 September 2025 02:13 AM

Only one comment out of 47 comments came in support of this perennial looser . This shows how Ranil Rajapakses 1000 pada yatras going to end up

0 14

AkaAD Sunday, 21 September 2025 02:22 AM

Lol, 1000 rallies without people. Majority of people are loving this government. I bet you guys will never get together, you all have your personal agendas.

0 18

Keen Observer Sunday, 21 September 2025 02:54 AM

Hmmm. When is the next court date?

0 13

Indra Dasa Sunday, 21 September 2025 05:00 AM

Majority who came to this gathering are rejected by the majority. However They may be able to organise rallies satyagrahas ,protests in the country with the same people moving around the country . Because it is a democratic right in a democracy that governed by a people's government . But a strong and powerful people's government like NPP couldn't topple by such rallies ,satyagrahas ,protests that NOT A CONCERNED FOR THE MAJORITY OF SR LANKAN since the NPP government actively involved to complete what they promised to People and to bring quality of life for all Sr Lankans through improving the ECONOMY , and Changing the corrupted political culture .

0 14

Kaleel Cader Sunday, 21 September 2025 05:29 AM

A Political Statement on the Destabilizing Conduct of Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe It has become increasingly evident that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is engaged in a deliberate campaign to destabilize the country and sabotage the progress being made under the current administration. At a time when the nation is striving to rebuild its economy, restore investor confidence, and heal from years of mismanagement, Mr. Wickremesinghe is choosing to play politics with the country’s future. This is not just irresponsible—it is dangerous. His recent comments, laced with misinformation and outright lies, are designed to undermine public trust in the government and ignite political unrest. It is a calculated move by a failed leader desperately clinging to relevance. But Sri Lanka cannot—and will not—be held hostage by the political ambitions of one man. Freedom of speech is not a license to spread propaganda, incite division, or sabotage national stability.

0 13

Kevin Sunday, 21 September 2025 05:56 AM

Not for the country but for him and Namal to escape court cases.

0 16

Kevin Sunday, 21 September 2025 06:55 AM

By having the presidential election before the general election you gave them enormous power. Otherwise they would not even have a simple majority in parliament

10 3

CitizenP Sunday, 21 September 2025 07:17 AM

Birds of a feather flock together.

0 12

DOT Sunday, 21 September 2025 07:53 AM

People behind you; far, far behind you!

0 10

Sampath Dissanayake Sunday, 21 September 2025 08:21 AM

RW does not understand that this government came to power with 2/3 majority. Anybody can understand the real dictator, and he feels what had happened to central bank during his tenure as PM.

0 14

Devaka A Sunday, 21 September 2025 08:29 AM

Please retire now. If you hadn’t contested Sajith would have won comfortably. Didn’t you ask also voters to prefer AKD to Sajith?

0 13

Nihal Sunday, 21 September 2025 09:31 AM

RW, you say you were on transit.Do you know the meaning of transit.Transit is where you stay temporarily in the airport or airport hotel before you emplane to another destination.But what did you do.instead you and your lot exited the airport and went off to a place called Wolverhampton which is about 200 km for your wife's convocation.This is the truth.RW is trying to bluff the general public with his transit word.So the state had to incur expenses for this. The courts are well aware of this and the same with the general public.So please stay away from making false and stupid statements .It only shows that you are making another blunder like what you did at the BBC Interview sometime ago.

0 14

localman Sunday, 21 September 2025 09:38 AM

This shows that the opposition has gone Nuts

0 13

Gona Sunday, 21 September 2025 09:49 AM

Go ahead. Need of the hour. Even your boy friend Sagala wouldn't join you. Hooooooo

0 13

Lakmal Sunday, 21 September 2025 09:57 AM

Keheliya himself will sponsor. Liquor from Johny , ICE from Namal.

0 17

Chris Xavir Sunday, 21 September 2025 10:04 AM

There is a famous saying "you can fool some people some time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time" Applicable to Ranil!!

0 16

Sam Silva Sunday, 21 September 2025 10:13 AM

Majority in the front seat of the convention are 60 , they should realize all of them are rejected last election

0 14

Dias Saturday, 27 September 2025 04:51 AM

More than the arrest was the sudden electricity power give way in courts which was a deliberate sabotage done by the kunu hahotharayas.

1 1

ihsan Monday, 29 September 2025 03:06 AM

He seems fit of organise Satya graha. Let him start ,

0 0

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