The United National Party (UNP) marked its 80th anniversary on September 6 with celebrations held at its headquarters, Sirikotha, under the patronage of party leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The event drew senior UNP officials alongside representatives from other opposition parties, who collectively underscored the party’s historical role in protecting Sri Lanka’s democracy and emphasized the need to preserve the nation’s sovereignty amid contemporary challenges.

In his commemorative message, Wickremesinghe outlined plans to transform the UNP ahead of its December annual convention, aiming to establish a modernized party with refreshed ideology and new leadership to address the demands of 21st-century Sri Lanka. He highlighted the theme of sovereignty for the anniversary, recalling the UNP’s introduction of the country’s second Republican Constitution. Notably, Article 3 affirms that sovereignty rests with the people and is inalienable, while Article 4 identifies Parliament, the President, and the Judiciary as institutions exercising that sovereignty.

Wickremesinghe criticized the current government’s choice to amend the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment without holding a referendum, interpreting this as a denial of popular sovereignty. He explained that this was the primary reason the UNP opposed the amendment and challenged it in the Supreme Court, advocating for direct public consent through a referendum on fundamental constitutional changes.

Echoing these views, Professor G L Peiris, convener of the People’s Joint Opposition, stressed that sovereignty is a foundational principle enabling citizens’ freedom and independence. While parliamentary power to enact laws exists, Peiris argued it is not absolute, especially on issues of critical importance that impact the Constitution’s core features, asserting that public opinion must be sought through referendums rather than relying solely on parliamentary approval.

Despite political differences, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) chairman Nimal Siripala De Silva acknowledged the UNP’s contributions over eight decades and extended his party’s best wishes on the milestone. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the UNP’s service to the country while maintaining ideological distinctions.

Ranjith Maddumabandara, general secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), called for unity among opposition forces reminiscent of the cooperation that led to Sri Lanka’s independence. He noted that the SJB traces its roots to the UNP, sharing many policy foundations, and personally began his political career within the party. Maddumabandara emphasized the necessity for the UNP and SJB to reunite and conveyed the SJB’s best wishes to the UNP on its 80th anniversary.