Ranil Wickremesinghe's Arrest - Democracy, Accountability and the Rule of Law by Brigadier Ranjan de Silva 7th September 2025

The recent arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe sparked a major media frenzy, both supportive and critical. Some argued that political influence on the judiciary was at play. In contrast, others believed the law was finally taking precedence over the “political norm” that had prevailed in this country for decades. For many, this was an unprecedented event that left them uncertain about what was truly happening. There were also significant agitations within the political community, with the opposition uniting to form an extraordinary alliance—something rarely seen before—under the banner of serving the people’s cause. However, the true purpose of this alliance remained unclear, as it seemed more like an effort to shield themselves from similar outcomes. This, in turn, fueled public unrest, sparking both pro- and anti-government protests, which were further amplified by a storm of social media turmoil. While the situation remains uncertain, if the “rule of law” has indeed taken precedence over all other influences, this could mark a positive step towards restoring our nation’s credibility as a peaceful, honourable country where the law applies equally to all. Brigadier Ranjan de Silva, a qualified lawyer with an ethical drive, published an exemplary article on this matter on August 27, 2025 (link below). He kindly agreed to hold this open forum.. https://island.lk/arrest-of-wickremesinghe-democracy-and-rule-of-law-upholding-accountability/