Ranil calls for united Opposition against ‘constitutional dictatorship’ at UNP’s 79th anniversary

Urges to organise 1,000 joint Opposition rallies, satyagrahas and protests countrywide Calls his arrest politically motivated; expresses gratitude to political leaders who stood by him Defends his economic record, stressing he left office with stronger fundamentals Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa congratulates UNP, its historic role in shaping modern SL SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam admits both camps erred by branding each other rogues to gain power NDF MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake calls for immediate UNP-SJB unity before reaching out to others

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FORMER President and United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, making his first public appearance since his arrest and remand, on Saturday urged Opposition parties to form a united front to resist what he described as a looming ’constitutional dictatorship”.

He made the appeal at the UNP’s 79th anniversary convention, calling the gathering the beginning of a broad democratic campaign.

“Today, we are not talking of the party, we are talking about working together and working towards defeating constitutional dictatorship,” Wickremesinghe declared, urging the organisation of 1,000 joint Opposition rallies, satyagrahas, and protests countrywide.

Wickremesinghe stressed that the UNP’s anniversary convention marked the start of a broader political movement beyond party lines. “Today's convention marks the beginning of that collective effort.

Let us organise 1,000 joint rallies. Let us also hold satyagrahas. I know some of you are experienced in leading Pada Yatras. So let us unite and stand together against this constitutional dictatorship,’ he declared.