Sri Lanka, Aug. 25 -- Leaders of opposition political parties have described recent government actions as a "deliberate attack on the democratic way of life" and urged the public to resist such attempts within the country's democratic framework to safeguard freedoms for future generations.

In a statement titled "The March Towards Dictatorship" issued yesterday (25), they said that while strict punishment for bribery, corruption, and fraud must be supported, the government's current actions are aimed at harassing and intimidating political opponents rather than ensuring justice.

The leaders strongly condemned the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, calling it unjustified. They pointed out that over 33 witnesses have already ...