Joint Opposition fires fresh salvo at Govt. for Ranil’s arrest

• In joint statement yesterday says Govt. using investigations to harass, silence Opposition, not genuinely tackle corruption
• Claims Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest unnecessary, since evidence already secured 
• Says law allows prosecution without arrest, making detention unjustifiable
• Charges democratic institutions, Police and Attorney General’s Department being politicised, and under Govt. control
• Warns justice, accountability and democratic freedoms at risk

Ranil Wickremesinghe

The joint Opposition group yesterday issued a statement arguing that Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest and detention without bail last Friday were politically motivated, not legally necessary, and reflect broader Government efforts to intimidate opponents, undermine independent institutions, and erode democracy. 

It urged the public to resist these moves, warning that unchecked politicisation will irreparably damage justice, accountability, and democratic freedoms.

Following is the joint Opposition group statement in full.

“Developments during the last few days represent a deliberate attack on the democratic way of life in our country. It is vital that the public be aware of the implications of this situation and the danger to which our society as a whole is subject.

We strongly believe that condign punishment should be imposed on those found guilty of bribery, corruption, and other forms of fraud, which result in the pillage and plunder of our country’s resources. Thorough investigations to identify the persons responsible, and the most stringent measures to bring them to justice, are to be unreservedly supported. 

The unfortunate reality, however, is that current moves by the Government have no relation to these laudable aims and are being resorted to for the purpose of harassing opponents and intimidating them, with a view to silencing opposition to the Government. 

In any functioning democracy, Government action should be subject to public scrutiny and vigilance, and the Opposition has a vibrant role to play in this regard. Suppression of this will necessarily bring about the atrophy and collapse of basic institutions which sustain the democratic system.

The arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe cannot be justified in any way as being essential for the purpose of conducting a proper investigation. The State openly declared that more than 33 witnesses have made statements which are now on record. In these circumstances, there is no possibility of Wickremesinghe tampering with this evidence, which is already in the custody of the prosecution.

Arrest, in our law, is justifiable only in circumstances where the officer in charge of the relevant Police station is satisfied that the arrest is required for the proper conduct of the investigation. The Police, if satisfied that a strong case exists in law, are fully empowered to commence proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court. 

In the alternative, the Police can send the file to the Attorney General’s Department so that the Attorney General may consider filing an indictment in the High Court. Neither of these courses of action requires the arrest of the person subject to investigation in the circumstances of this case.

Wickremesinghe continues to play an active role in the political life of our country, and there is no prospect whatsoever of his absconding when required to appear in Court or of fleeing the country. If this fear, obviously unreasonable, is entertained, the remedy is to impound his passport.

The Government has made elaborate preparations to bring institutions vital for the administration of justice under political influence. More than 135 officers in charge of Police stations were transferred in one night—a unique development in the history of our country. 

Individuals found to be culpable in authoritative findings already arrived at have been appointed to positions of great responsibility in connection with the administration of justice. There are clear indications of attempts to politicise the Attorney General’s Department. 

If these initiatives are allowed to proceed without impediment, the values which we hold sacred as part of our inalienable heritage will be irretrievably lost. We call upon the public to resist these attempts by all means available within the country’s democratic framework and to safeguard the substance of freedom for generations to come.”