Amid growing speculation about Ranil Wickremesinghe’s return to Parliament, the New Democratic Front (NDF) General Secretary Shyamila Perera has dismissed reports suggesting that the United National Party (UNP) leader is preparing to re-enter Parliament through the party’s National List.
Responding to inquiries regarding the accuracy of the claims, Perera stated that no such request has been made by Wickremesinghe or his representatives. She further emphasized that the two National List seats allocated to the NDF are already occupied, and any new appointment would require one of the current MPs to resign, which is not under consideration.
“I also heard that such news has been published, but there is no truth in it,” Perera clarified. “Currently, two individuals from our party hold National List seats in Parliament. If Ranil Wickremesinghe or anyone else were to be appointed, one of them would have to step down. There is no such preparation, nor has there been a request from Ranil Wickremesinghe’s side. Ultimately, it is up to the United National Party to decide whether he will return to Parliament.”
In the last general election, the New Democratic Front secured two National List seats, which are currently occupied by former UNP National Secretary Ravi Karunanayake and Faizer Musthapha. With Perera’s statement making it clear that no discussions are underway, speculation regarding Wickremesinghe’s potential return remains unverified.
