Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa extended his congratulations to the United National Party (UNP) on the occasion of its 79th anniversary, while simultaneously warning of serious threats to democracy in Sri Lanka.
In a statement marking the milestone, Premadasa paid tribute to the UNP’s historic role in the country’s struggle for independence and the establishment of democratic governance.
He recalled the founding of the party in 1946 by D. S. Senanayake, supported by the Lanka National Union, as a turning point in Sri Lanka’s political journey.
“The UNP was a political space where Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, and Malays worked side by side,” he said, noting the party’s contribution to national unity during a formative period in the island’s post-colonial history.
While celebrating the anniversary, Premadasa used the moment to raise concerns over the “deteriorating state of democracy” in the country.
He urged all political parties that value democratic principles to unite in defence of Sri Lanka’s political system and their own identities.
“At this critical juncture, our shared responsibility is to protect the democratic structure of our nation,” he said. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 79th anniversary of the United National Party.”
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