Three former Presidents come out in support of RW

By Yohan Perera and Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Three former Presidents namely Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga had come out in support of their one time successor Ranil Wickremesinghe and to defeat constitutional dictatorship.  

Former President Rajapaksa described the arrest of Mr. Wickremesinghe as an act of political victimization. “What could the arrest of Mr. Wickremesinghe be if it is not an act of political victimization,” Mr. Rajapaksa asked when speaking to the media after visiting Mr. Wickremeisnghe in hospital.   

“One has to face challenges such as arrests and imprisonments to become matured politicians,” Mr. Rajapaksa added.  

Mr. Rajapaksa was to attend the joint press conference held by opposition parties but was absent. However, it was assured that he fully backs the exercise of joint opposition.  

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga voiced strong concern over the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in her a message which was sent to opposition party leaders. “The onslaught against Mr. Wickremesinghe poses a serious threat to Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions. “The move amounted to a calculated assault on the country’s democratic values. Its implications extend far beyond one individual or political party. The development endangers the rights of society as a whole and urged all political leaders to resist such actions. I join in expressing my unreserved opposition to activities that undermine democracy and must be opposed collectively,” she said.   

It was announced that Ms. Kumaratunga also backs the joint opposition exercise.   

Former President Sirisena said the polishing of the coffin in which Sri Lanka’s democracy is being buried has begun. “It is time to forget party differences to defeat constitutional dictatorship that is being established,” he said.   

Former Presidents together with political parties namely Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna, the UNP, factions of the SLFP, United Republic Party led by former MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), and some members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) were among some of the parties which had come together to announc their decision to fight together against constitutional dictatorship which they claimed is being established in the country.   

The announcement was made at a media briefing in Colombo yesterday where it was revealed that action will be taken both in the international and national level to save democracy and a multi-party system in Sri Lanka.