Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake has attributed the absence of a strong political opposition in the country to intense pressure and legal action targeting politicians.
Addressing a public gathering, Dissanayake said Sri Lanka had historically maintained a strong opposition capable of holding powerful governments accountable. However, he claimed that the current political environment had prevented opposition politicians from freely engaging in public life and speaking out.
“With the pressure being exerted, the number of court cases filed and all these other factors, some politicians do not even have an opportunity to come out. They are unable to do so,” he said.
Dissanayake said politicians were also concerned about their families, personal safety and their own futures, making them vulnerable to intimidation.
“These people also have children, spouses and families. They want to live. Look at what is being done—who would not be afraid? Anyone who is not afraid must either be exceptionally daring or mad,” he said.
While claiming that he had several examples to support his allegations of targeted pressure, Dissanayake declined to disclose further details.
