Sri Lanka’s political stage is set for high drama today as former presidents and opposition heavyweights gather in Colombo, turning the spotlight on Ranil Wickremesinghe’s controversial detention and fueling nationwide calls for justice.
A rare display of unity is expected this afternoon when several of Sri Lanka’s former presidents and senior opposition leaders convene in Colombo to address the detention of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who remains in remand custody.
The press conference, billed as a major political showdown, is expected to feature former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former President Maithripala Sirisena, and several prominent opposition figures. A strategic meeting was already held at Wickremesinghe’s flower road office in Colombo, where party leaders mapped out ways to sustain their campaign of support for the detained former president.
Among those in attendance were Dayasiri Jayasekara, Thalatha Athukorala, Ruwan Wijewardene, Mano Ganeshan, P. Digambaram, Rishad Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Vajira Abeywardena, Sagala Ratnayake, and Sugeeshwara Bandara, along with representatives of multiple opposition camps.
Support has also been voiced by former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, though neither is expected to attend the media briefing. Sources confirm that Gotabaya Rajapaksa is currently overseas, while Kumaratunga is recovering from a leg injury that has restricted her mobility.
At a separate media briefing, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena stressed that Kumaratunga had strongly condemned the government’s handling of Wickremesinghe’s case, underscoring that the opposition bloc stands firmly united behind him.
Meanwhile, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Magazine Prison earlier today to personally check on Wickremesinghe’s condition. Speaking to reporters outside, Rajapaksa denounced the imprisonment as a clear act of “revenge” and warned that such political theatrics only tarnish the government’s credibility.
“It is unthinkable to punish someone for such minor offences,” Rajapaksa said. “But politics in this country has always carried such burdens. Ranil has inherited this legacy as well. Still, it is deeply tragic. People love us, and we love them. That bond is what keeps us standing together.”
As Colombo prepares for this evening’s high-profile press conference, anticipation runs high. The event is expected to intensify the national debate over Wickremesinghe’s arrest, amplifying demands for accountability and fair treatment across Sri Lanka’s fractured political spectrum.
