Ranil Reportedly Willing to Step Down for SJB-UNP Unity

Reports indicate that the leader of the United National Party (UNP) and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with several prominent activists of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) at a luxury residential complex in Colombo on the night of the 18th.

It is further stated that Mr. Varuna Rajapaksa and Mr. Charith Abeysinghe, who are electoral organizers of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, also participated in this meeting.

During the discussion, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe reportedly questioned them about the Samagi Jana Balawegaya's continuous inquiries regarding a previous meeting. It is also mentioned that Mr. Wickremesinghe asked what they expected from him concerning that situation.

Furthermore, Mr. Charith Abeysinghe reportedly asked Mr. Wickremesinghe if it was true that he had stated his readiness to step down from leadership. In response, Mr. Wickremesinghe reportedly said that he is prepared to step down from leadership at any moment for the unity of the two parties without any issue. However, he added that neither of these two parties has yet produced leaders suitable for the Gen Z generation. Therefore, until that happens, a situation exists where no one can achieve victory, and thus, they should work towards that goal, sources confirm the former President stated.