Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned that the sovereignty of the people and Sri Lanka’s democratic system are under threat, as the United National Party (UNP) marked its 80th anniversary on Sunday (6).
In remarks issued to coincide with the anniversary, Wickremesinghe recalled that the UNP was founded on September 6, 1946, by D. S. Senanayake and a group of political leaders.
He said the party would use the anniversary period to begin a process of building a “modern United National Party”, with new policies and new faces suited to Sri Lanka in the 21st century.
Wickremesinghe said the party would also commemorate the 120th birth anniversary of former President J. R. Jayewardene on September 17, while a party convention would be held in December.
He said the theme being launched for the anniversary was “sovereignty”.
“Today, the biggest threat to this system is the failure to recognise the sovereignty of the people,” Wickremesinghe said.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s constitutional history, he said the 1978 Constitution states that sovereignty belongs to the people and is inalienable, while Parliament, the President and the judiciary exercise powers on behalf of the people.
Wickremesinghe said the UNP had opposed the proposed 22nd Amendment because the government had not stated that it required approval through a referendum.
“That is why we went before the courts and sought a referendum. That is how its legality can be ensured,” he said.
He also accused the government of restricting political parties and the opposition, while alleging that politicians were being arrested without proper grounds.
“These actions are aimed at destroying the country’s democratic system and the opposition. They are also aimed at weakening independent trade unions,” he said.
Wickremesinghe further referred to criticism and pressure directed at the Bar Association, doctors and Buddhist monks, claiming such developments were undermining the Constitution and people’s sovereignty.
He also alleged that the opposition was not being given adequate opportunity to speak in Parliament.
“Taking all these matters into consideration, the question is: from where is this country being governed? From Parliament, or from Pelawatte?” he asked.
Wickremesinghe called on political groups to unite to protect people’s sovereignty, drawing a comparison with the political cooperation that led to independence.
“In 1946, everyone came together and created an independent Sri Lanka. Today too, let us act together and protect the sovereignty of the country,” he said.
He also said Namal Rajapaksa, the grandson of UNP founding member D. A. Rajapaksa, had been invited to the party’s anniversary celebrations.
“Unfortunately, Namal Rajapaksa was arrested. I and the party strongly oppose that action,” Wickremesinghe said. (Newswire)
