Srilanka, Sept. 6 -- Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe today accused the government of attempting to undermine democracy and weaken the opposition.

In a special statement issued to mark the 80th anniversary of the United National Party (UNP), Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka's democratic system was facing a serious threat.

"Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, followed by the introduction of the Republican Constitution in 1972. The UNP proposed several amendments to the Constitution, but those proposals were not accommodated," he said.

He noted that the UNP government subsequently introduced the 1978 Constitution, which established the three main arms of government.

"Today, this system is under threat. There is also an attempt by ...