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SJB youth members and council members rally in Colombo to support democracy ahead of Ranil’s case: Chamith Wijesundera
Colombo, August 25 (Daily Mirror) – As former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe prepares for a critical court hearing tomorrow, youth members and newly appointed council members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are mobilizing in Colombo to express their support for democratic principles and the rule of law. The arrest of Wickremesinghe, who is accused of misusing state funds during a trip to London in 2023, has sparked widespread political debate and concerns about potential political motivations behind the case .
SJB’s Stand for Democracy
Chamith Wijesundera, the National Youth Organizer of the SJB and a recently sworn-in Kotte council member, is leading the charge. In a statement, Wijesundera emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring that the legal process remains free from political interference. "This is not just about one individual; it is about preserving the integrity of our institutions and ensuring that justice is served without bias," he said .
Wijesundera, who has been a vocal advocate for accountability and transparency in governance, questioned the government’s commitment to integrity, citing recent incidents of misinformation and false credentials among political candidates. He argued that the arrest of Wickremesinghe must be examined within a broader context of systemic failures in Sri Lanka’s political landscape .
Mobilization of Youth and Council Members
The SJB youth wing, along with newly sworn-in council members from across the country, is expected to gather in Colombo ahead of the court hearing. Their presence is intended to symbolize a united front in defense of democratic norms and to call for fairness in the judicial process. Among those participating are the 29 SJB members recently sworn into the Colombo Municipal Council, including 11 women representatives, who were inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa .
Wijesundera highlighted that the mobilization is not an endorsement of Wickremesinghe’s actions but a stand for due process and the prevention of politically motivated legal actions. "We must ensure that the law is applied equally to everyone, regardless of their political affiliations," he stated .
Political Context
Wickremesinghe’s arrest on August 22, 2025, has intensified the existing political tensions in Sri Lanka. The former president, who led the country during a devastating economic crisis, is accused of misusing public funds for a trip to attend his wife’s honorary professorship ceremony in the UK. His allies have denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated .
The SJB, which has historically distanced itself from Wickremesinghe’s United National Party (UNP), has nonetheless taken a principled stand against the potential weaponization of anti-corruption efforts. The party recently decided not to align with the UNP for general elections but remains committed to holding the government accountable .
Call for Transparency
Wijesundera’s statement also echoed broader concerns about the government’s approach to governance and accountability. He urged authorities to investigate cases of false credentials and misinformation in politics, emphasizing that such actions undermine democracy. "The government’s response to these issues will reflect its commitment to democratic values," he said .
The SJB’s mobilization ahead of the court case underscores the party’s strategy to position itself as a defender of democratic principles and a credible alternative to the current administration. With local government elections resulting in no clear majority in key bodies like the Colombo Municipal Council, the SJB’s actions are also seen as an effort to consolidate its influence .
Looking Ahead
As Wickremesinghe’s case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Colombo court tomorrow. The presence of SJB youth and council members is expected to draw significant attention, highlighting the broader political implications of the case. Wijesundera and the SJB have called for calm and urged supporters to advocate for justice peacefully .
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for Sri Lanka’s political landscape, particularly in the context of ongoing anti-corruption efforts and the fragile balance of power in local government institutions.
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