Ranil reveals publicly for the first time that he retired from politics (video)

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Kandy this morning (23) and went to the Malwathu and Asgiri Maha Viharas to meet and receive blessings from both Mahanayaka Theras. Responding to a question raised by journalists when leaving the temple after meeting the Mahanayaka Theras, the former President stated that he is currently not involved in politics.

The meeting with the Mahanayaka Theras lasted for about an hour, during which the current political situation in the country was reportedly discussed. However, journalists were not allowed to cover the event. When the discussion concluded and he was leaving, journalists questioned the former President about the readiness to remove the current Attorney General, but he did not give a direct answer, only stating that he is not in politics and then left. He said, "I don't know anything about that, I'm not in the government.. I'm not in politics now."

Two days prior, participating in an event at the Sri Mihindu Maha Vihara in Mandalapura, Galle, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the country's rulers are bound to give priority to Buddhism. He recalled that even during the British colonial era, the priority given to Buddhism was recognized and acted upon, and stated that if that priority were to be lost for any reason, party leaders would be ready to discuss it with the Mahanayaka Theras. The former President expressed these views at a ceremony for the presentation of credentials to Pelawatte Chandima Nahimi.

Meanwhile, there has been a discussion in political circles these days about the new alliance expected to be formed by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the United National Party. Commenting on this, Ms. Chamindrani Kiriella, Secretary of the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya, recently stated that preliminary discussions for the two parties to unite are successfully underway. She also mentioned that the leadership of the alliance should go to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and since Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe has no expectation of engaging in active politics, he will most likely hold an advisory position within it.

Watch the video related to this event ›