Ranil must step down as UNP leader – Harshana
Former MP and Gampaha District leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Harshana Rajakaruna, has expressed that if Ranil Wickremesinghe does not contest in the upcoming General Election or enter Parliament via the national list, there would be no reason for him to continue leading the United National Party (UNP). The only respectable political space left for UNP supporters is now within the SJB.
He highlighted that if the UNP does not ally with the SJB in the forthcoming General Election, it would even lose the one national list seat it secured in the last election. Rajakaruna shared these views following a meeting with the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, where he received blessings.
He also reflected on the previous Presidential Election, noting that many had advised Wickremesinghe not to contest, as doing so would only harm Sajith Premadasa’s chances of winning. Despite this, Wickremesinghe proceeded, which Rajakaruna claims paved the way to Premadasa’s defeat.
“After the Presidential Election, discussions about handing the party over to Sajith and forming an alliance were considered. However, Wickremesinghe was not willing to step down as party leader, which further contributed to the UNP’s decline”, Rajakaruna noted.
He called on Wickremesinghe to retire respectfully to prevent further damage to the party.
Rajakaruna also stated that 95 percent of those who voted for Wickremesinghe in the Presidential Election would now vote for Sajith in the General Election. He emphasised that Gampaha, being a crucial district with the highest number of votes, needs to be a priority for the party’s reorganisation efforts.
Regarding the future of governance, Rajakaruna remarked that while no one should have two-thirds control in Parliament, a majority can still be achieved by gaining Opposition support for critical decisions. He affirmed that the SJB would support positive actions taken by the President but would oppose anything unsuitable.
Rajakaruna concluded by noting that in the past, unsuitable individuals were brought into the party, which has led to public criticism. However, the party is now committed to correcting past mistakes and ensuring that only suitable candidates are nominated moving forward.
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