Opposition Parties Host Joint Press Briefing; Sajith Does Not Attend, Instead Visits Ranil at Hospital

COLOMBO (News 1st): Representatives from all opposition political parties convened a media briefing this morning in Colombo, opposing the legal action against Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

The media briefing was attended by Former President Maithripala Sirisena, along with the National Organiser of SLPP Namal Rajapaksa, Wajira Abeywardana, Sagala Rathnayaka, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Prof. G. L. Peiris, Harin Fernando and many other former ministers and MPs of all opposition parties. 

Notably, among those present at the media briefing were politicians who used to critisize the conduct of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe, in the past. 

Addressing the media briefing first, Former President Maithripala Sirisena stated that all opposition parties and other stakeholders will work in collaboration, with utmost commitment, to secure the release of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

General Secretary of UNP, Former Minister Thalatha Athukorala read out Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's statement at the media briefing.

The statement by Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga highlighted "The particular circumstances surrounding the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a situation where the investigation is almost complete give rise to grave concern with regard to the strength of basic democratic institutions in our country."

The statement added, "What we are witnessing is a calculated onslaught on the very essence of our democratic values. The consequences of this go far beyond the fate of an individual or any political grouping and involve peril for the rights of our society as a whole."

Former President Bandaranaike, in the statement, has expressed her 'unreserved opposition' to such initiatives, which all political leaders are duty-bound to resist.

Meanwhile, representing the opposition parties, Prof. G. L. Peiris too expressed views on the ongoing matter.

Prof. G. L. Peiris stated that the matter goes beyond the case of one individual and concerns the overall strength and stability of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions, while also emphasising that while corruption must be addressed through legal channels, the determination of guilt or innocence lies with the courts.

Former MP further highlighted that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has not been found guilty of any offence and, under the constitution, is presumed innocent. He therefore questioned the necessity of Wickremesinghe's arrest, arguing that it does not aid the investigation in any meaningful way.

Prof. G. L. Peiris further noted that Wickremesinghe poses no flight risk, as he remains active in Sri Lanka’s political sphere. With testimony from 33 witnesses already recorded and in the hands of the prosecution, Prof. Peiris argued there is no possibility of witness tampering, making the arrest appear unwarranted.

General Secretary of SLPP, Sagara Kariyawasam, Leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance Mano Ganesan, Leader of the United Republican Front Patali Champika Ranawaka, Leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Attorney-at-law Rauff Hakeem and Former Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva and Dayasiri Jayasekara also expressed views at the media briefing.

Notably, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was not present at this media briefing. However, according to our reporters, he had instead visited Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the National Hospital in Colombo, this morning.