Several opposition political groups met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning (25) with the stated aim of uniting around a common purpose.

The discussion took place at the United National Party office on Flower Road, Colombo. Speaking to the media prior to the meeting, Udaya Gammanpila said the initiative was not merely an attempt to form a political alliance, but a collective effort to safeguard the people’s right to live with dignity.

He stressed the need for all opposition parties to work together in addressing the common challenges faced by the public.

Gammanpila further stated that discussions had already been held with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Namal Rajapaksa, National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, and that consensus had been reached. The meeting with Wickremesinghe was described as a subsequent step in that process.

“We are not seeking to build a political alliance. Our effort is to encourage collective action on common issues, in order to protect democracy as well as the people’s right to live,” he said.

During the talks with Wickremesinghe, attention was drawn to several key issues, including the gas shortage and price concerns, alleged losses arising from the purchase of substandard coal, and the prevailing security situation marked by underworld killings.

Among those present at the meeting were Gammanpila, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Mahinda Amaraweera, Sagala Ratnayaka, Thalatha Atukorale, Premnath C. Dolawatte and Sugishwara Bandara, representing various opposition groups.