Courtesy Hiru News

A number of opposition political parties and civil society organisations are planning to hold a protest in Colombo tomorrow. The demonstration is timed to coincide with a court hearing for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is facing charges related to the alleged misuse of state funds.

Organisations including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Youth Front, Ceylon Workers Congress, and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are involved. They plan to gather near the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

According to Charith Abeysinghe, an organiser for the SJB, the protest is about more than just one person. He stated: “This is not just about one individual. It’s about standing up against political suppression.”

Hemantha Srilal, from the SLPP Youth Front, expressed similar views, arguing that the rally is to protect democratic principles. He warned that the legal action against Mr Wickremesinghe could be part of a wider trend. He said: “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.”

Dr Don Wanigasuriya, a representative of Sarwajana Balaya, emphasised the importance of unity in the face of what he described as political suppression. He added: “We are standing in unity to protect democratic freedoms.”