Ranil to launch non-violent campaign against state repression

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared his intention to launch a non-violent campaign later this month against all forms of state repression, including curbs against democracy, media freedom as well as the economic woes of the people.

He made the announcement at a function at Dharmavijaya Foundation in Colombo.

On the occasion, the National Intellectual Council collected signatures for a petition that urges the protection of media freedom, implementation of the 17th Constitutional Amendment and for a solution to the national question that promotes communal harmony.

Speaking further, Mr. Wickremesinghe said, "Everyone in this country lives in fear today. Several main issues concern us. Firstly, how can we bring peace to the country? How can media freedom be protected? How can the 17th amendment be implemented? How can there be a free vote? How can we end communalism? How can we provide for the hungry people? Whenever we are going to address these problems, the government uses its repressive power."

He said, "Journalists are abducted and killed for writing about the war and state corruption. Therefore, many talk of leaving the country. Government groups attack trade unions that call for pay hikes. Clergy and laity that speak against the government are threatened. All these lead to an increasing state of fear in the country."

Mr. Wickremesinghe said that as the opposition leader, he would protect everyone if he could have had a police force, or had there been a state mechanism for the purpose.

Noting that he had neither, he asked as to what he could in the prevailing situation.

However, the opposition leader said that he would not resort to violent means to unite the people.