Colombo, August 25 (Daily Mirror) – A coalition of youth wings from several opposition political parties and civil society groups have announced plans to gather supporters in Colombo tomorrow, coinciding with the court hearing involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The crowds are expected to gather outside the Colombo Magistrate’s Court as the case—related to allegations of misusing public funds for a foreign tour of Wickremesinghe, is taken up for hearing.
Participating groups include the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Youth Front, Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Lanka Janatha Party, Sarwajana Balaya, United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka Greens, Progressive Youth Movement and several other organisations.
Speaking at a media briefing today, SJB’s ‘Horaa’ organiser Charith Abeysinghe said the collective opposition plans to gather at Slave Island before marching toward the Fort Magistrate’s Court.
“This is not just about one individual. It’s about standing up against political suppression,” he said.
SLPP Youth Front Convenor Hemantha Srilal echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the protest aims to defend democratic principles, not just former President Wickremesinghe.
“Ranil has been arrested today, and other former Presidents could be next. We cannot allow a former leader—who led the country through a civil war—to be politically harassed. If this continues, even President Anura Dissanayake could be restricted from accessing his party headquarters in Pelawatte,” he warned.
Dr. Don Wanigasuriya, representing the Sarwajana Balaya, stated that their participation in the protest is part of a broader fight against political suppression.
“We are standing in unity to protect democratic freedoms,” he added.
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