Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Ranawaka accuses government of using JVP cadres to suppress opposition
Former Yahapalana Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has alleged that the JVP-led government is preventing opposition parties from exercising their democratic right to protest. Ranawaka pointed to the JVP's own history of organizing over 560 demonstrations during the previous administration.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
United Republican Front (URF) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka leveled fresh accusations against the current administration on Wednesday, claiming that JVP cadres and police forces are being deployed to suppress political opposition activities.
Ranawaka contended that the JVP, which was notably active in street protests throughout the 2015-2019 Yahapalana government period, has now adopted a different stance toward dissent. He noted that the party organized over 560 demonstrations during that five-year period, underscoring what he characterized as a stark reversal in the party's approach to democratic protest.
The former minister's remarks reflect growing tensions between the government and opposition figures over the space permitted for political mobilization and protest activities. Ranawaka's comments highlight concerns among opposition groups regarding restrictions on their ability to organize public demonstrations under the current administration.
The allegations add to an ongoing debate about democratic freedoms and the treatment of opposition parties in Sri Lanka, with opposition leaders calling for greater latitude in conducting political activities and public protests.
Photo: Patali Champika Ranawaka (right), then Sri Lanka's Power Minister, meets India's Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi, 16 February 2015. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, via Wikimedia Commons (GODL-India).