Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Premadasa stressed that the rule of law must be upheld democratically and correctly

Opposition parties are now holding discussions—not for political gain, but to address the people’s hardships  

He warned that if the current trend continues, another bankruptcy could occur by 2028. The present method, he said, is unsuitable and cannot lead the country toward its development goals

By JAMILA HUSAIN  

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa yesterday evening said that when politically affiliated Youtubers could announce judicial decisions days in advance, this is an insult to the judiciary, the Constitution and the supreme law of the country and this behaviour belongs in countries under dictatorship and authoritarianism. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Premadasa stressed that the rule of law must be upheld democratically and correctly, with everyone respecting proper procedures in the justice delivery process. 

Premadasa said that if a YouTube channel can announce who will be arrested, when, and for how long they will be imprisoned, it undermines the entire judicial process and this does not happen in democratic nations such as Sri Lanka. 

“Opposition parties are now holding discussions—not for political gain, but to address the people’s hardships. Nearly 50% of the population is living in poverty and about 75% of the people have sought relief. Sri Lanka needs at least 5% annual economic growth to repay debts by 2028, but this level of growth is not happening. Small-and medium-scale industries have collapsed, and from 2028 onwards the country will face annual debt payments of $5.5 billion,” Premadasa said. 

He questioned whether Sri Lanka has the capacity to meet these obligations. He warned that if the current trend continues, another bankruptcy could occur by 2028. 

The present method, he said, is unsuitable and cannot lead the country toward its development goals. Premadasa further emphasized that while the government has failed to provide solutions to pressing issues, the opposition is advancing based on concepts of nation-building. He concluded that they are uniting on a policy framework for rebuilding the country—not to gain power or share positions with the government.  

Ranil calls for unity within opposition

Maithree Wickremesinghe who had also visited her husband in the ICU had still been in shock and had expressed concern over his health

Sources said that some key international human rights groups had also contacted the UNP members and had sought details leading to Wickremesinghe’s arrest

All opposition leaders had vowed to come together seeking for Wickremesinghe’s release citing that there was no distinction between a personal and official visit

By JAMILA HUSAIN

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed his party and some key opposition members that they must remain united at this moment and fight to ensure that democracy is upheld. The Daily Mirror learns that when senior politicians had visited him at the Colombo National Hospital last morning, Wickremesinghe had stressed for unity within all opposition parties and requested all to leave aside their political differences. 
A senior party source said that Wickremesinghe continued to be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital as he was being treated for dehydration and high blood pressure. Wickremesinghe’s wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe who had also visited her husband in the ICU had still been in shock and had expressed concern over his health. As of yesterday all opposition leaders had vowed to come together seeking for Wickremesinghe’s release citing that there was no distinction between a personal and official visit for a head of state.

Some party leaders had also met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa last afternoon and had sought his support to which Premadasa had replied positively. 
UNP Seniors last evening had also met Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha in Colombo and discussed their concerns and the UNP is expected to meet a visiting US Delegation who are arriving in Colombo today. Sources said that some key international human rights groups had also contacted the UNP members and had sought details leading to Wickremesinghe’s arrest. 

As of today, all opposition party leaders and its members are expected to gather in Colombo tomorrow as Wickremesinghe’s case is expected to be heard again and will call for his release via a bail application. Senior party members said that the Presidents of three leading countries had also telephoned the UNP General Secretary Vajira Abeywardena and had discussed the latest developments.