A tense exchange unfolded during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s interview on Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head” program, where he faced tough questions regarding his economic policies, crackdown on protesters, and electoral defeat.
Question:
“You were appointed as the President of Sri Lanka by Parliament. You brought economic stability, reducing inflation from 70% to 1.3% in a year. But you were defeated in the presidential election last September. Why do you think the Sri Lankan people completely rejected you despite this record?”
Answer:
“I did not come here to explain why I was defeated. But I am happy that I was able to fulfill the task assigned to me.”
Question:
“Within hours of coming to power in 2022, you addressed the security forces and instructed them to do whatever it took to establish law and order, correct? Then they violently suppressed the protesters, didn’t they?”
Answer:
“No one ignored the views of the youth. When Parliament appointed me as President, I was responsible for establishing law and order. What would happen if Parliament was taken over by the rebels? Is that democratic?”
Question:
“According to Amnesty International, the police used 944 tear gas canisters against protesters in front of your office. How do you justify that?”
Answer:
“Amnesty International is discrediting our country because they hold different views.”
Question:
“The European Union says there was unnecessary use of force against peaceful protesters. What do you say to that?”
Answer:
“The European Union has provided financial assistance to some NGOs. They even forced me to resign. But they are also the ones who praised me for saving Sri Lanka from the economic crisis.”
Question:
“So, you don’t like the European Union, you don’t like Amnesty International, and you’re against the UN Human Rights Commission as well?”
Answer:
“No. I like the European Union. Tell me everything you have to say about institutions, I’ll answer later. I’ve been in politics since before you were born.”
Question:
“Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, head of the Catholic Church, says that you did not conduct a real investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks. He claims that the commission you appointed issued a fruitless report. What’s your response?”
Answer:
“I know that there is politics in the Catholic Church.”
Wickremesinghe Responds to Al Jazeera Interview Edits
Following the heated interview, Wickremesinghe held a press conference, criticizing Al Jazeera’s editing choices.
“The discussion on Al Jazeera is not like ours. They broadcast everything—both good and bad. They took about two hours of footage but aired only one hour. Some important points were omitted. If they had included everything, the situation would be different,” he said.
The interview has sparked controversy in Sri Lanka, with some supporting Wickremesinghe’s responses, while others criticize his dismissive stance towards human rights concerns and election results.
