Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has warned that democracy in the country is facing a serious challenge and urged all political parties to rise above partisan divisions to protect democratic values.
He made these remarks while speaking at a press conference held yesterday (24) with representatives from various opposition political parties.
Sirisena described former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest as a step toward “burying democracy” and called for a united political front to defend civil liberties.
“There is a problem for those who understand politics regarding the direction the country is taking. Democracy is ingrained in the blood of our people. But the characteristics of a democratic society are fading away,” he said.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Sirisena recalled that the 19th Amendment passed during his administration was one of the most significant reforms since independence in 1947, aimed at strengthening democratic governance.
“Whatever anyone says about my administration, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution can be considered the most significant constitutional change that strengthened the country’s democracy since 1947. Now, it appears that the characteristics of a democratic society are fading away. If the public’s democracy is being eroded in this manner, all political parties will forget their differences and unite to save the country for the sake of public freedom. We will do our utmost to secure the release of Ranil Wickremesinghe,” he added.
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