Ranil joins Sathyagraha campaign to restore democracy

The Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday joined the indefinite Sathyagraha campaign launched by the civil society organisations against President Maithripala Sirisena’s Government.

Speaking at the occasion, the UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said he will work with political parties and civil organisations to stop the unconstitutional course of action taken by the President in violation of the Constitution and against parliamentary democracy

“This unconstitutional movement, which started violating the Constitution and disregarding the parliamentary democracy for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, must be stopped,” the former Prime Minister said.

“Those who are in Parliament are the people’s representatives. Every five years, you get the opportunity to decide whether they are good or not. But if an election is to be called before the five years, all party leaders must be summoned and a decision must be taken after discussions.”

“What we need today is to protect the Constitution of this country,” Wickremesinghe said. “The sovereign power of the people is safeguarded in keeping with the Constitution,” he added.

The indefinite Sathyagraha campaign with the participation of Buddhist monks was launched on 21 November at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo. The event was attended by UNP Parliamentarians.

Pix by Shehan Gunasekara