United National Party (UNP) Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has sharply criticised the government, accusing it of exhibiting “Hitler-like tendencies” out of fear over the growing strength and unity of opposition parties, Virakesari newspaper reported.

He stated that while political disagreements with the opposition are natural, they should be expressed within Sri Lanka’s domestic political platforms — not taken abroad to criticise the country or its political situation before international audiences.

Wickremesinghe made these remarks on Thursday during a discussion with members of the UNP and representatives from several other political parties. During the meeting, he also strongly condemned the current actions of the National People’s Power (NPP) government, drawing historical parallels to authoritarian regimes.

He further noted:

“When Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933, he did not have more than 50 percent support. His party received only 44 percent of the votes. Therefore, in order to maintain his power, Hitler began destroying the opposition.”

He alleged that the government brings the judiciary under control, saying that, like Hitler, the NPP is acting to suppress political rivals and manipulate key institutions to maintain power.

Wickremesinghe drew on historical examples, including post-World War II events in Czechoslovakia and Hungary, to underline the dangers of political overreach and the importance of respecting democratic opposition within domestic political platforms.

He accused that while disagreements with opposition parties are natural, targeting their offices or intimidating leaders — whether domestically or internationally — is both unnecessary and dangerous. (Courtesy: Virakesari)