Former Minister of Justice Mohamed Ali Sabry, who served under both Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, has come out strongly in defense of Wickremesinghe, following his tense interview with Al Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan.
Taking to Facebook, Sabry described the interview as a premeditated attack, rather than an objective journalistic inquiry. He criticized Hasan’s aggressive questioning style, accusing him of interrupting responses, cutting off explanations, and twisting words to fit a pre-set anti-Sri Lankan narrative.
Ranil Meets His Match?
Wickremesinghe, who has built a reputation for shutting down journalists with his famous quip—“I have been in politics even before you were born”—found himself struggling under Hasan’s relentless questioning. The interview saw the Sri Lankan President visibly flustered, even threatening to walk out just eight minutes in, unable to handle the heat.
Sabry Slams the Interview as “Choreographed”
Sabry argued that the interview was not about journalism, but about pushing an agenda, stating:
“A hostile anti-Sri Lankan audience was carefully picked to make the guest feel like he was in enemy territory. The event was well choreographed.”
He further questioned whether Hasan applies the same level of hostility to leaders from powerful nations, or whether this aggressive grilling is only reserved for leaders of smaller nations like Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Future Should Be Decided by Sri Lankans
While acknowledging that Sri Lanka has its flaws, Sabry maintained that reforms and accountability are internal matters, not something to be dictated by an international journalist or media outlet.
“Sri Lankans will decide the future of Sri Lanka, not a journalist with an agenda.”
He also accused Hasan of distorting facts and weaponizing the interview to undermine Sri Lanka’s progress, rather than engaging in a fair discussion.
“RW Saved Sri Lanka When No One Else Would”
Despite the criticism surrounding Wickremesinghe, Sabry highlighted his role in pulling Sri Lanka out of economic collapse twice, first in 2001 and again in 2022. He argued that when Sri Lanka hit rock bottom, Wickremesinghe was the only leader who had the courage to take responsibility when no one else did.
Final Warning: Don’t Celebrate This “Takedown”
As some Sri Lankans took to social media to celebrate Hasan’s interview as a takedown of Wickremesinghe, Sabry issued a stark reminder:
“No contemporary politician in Sri Lanka could have stood up to that level of bullying and hostility. RW, once again, proved why he stands apart.”
He concluded by reaffirming that Sri Lanka will move forward on its own terms, not dictated by an international journalist or a biased media agenda.
Dear me, I think this is partisan nonsense. Try Hasan’s fairly recent evisceration of Matt Goodwin on Head to Head (they even know each other). Goodwin an allegedly populist right wing historian kept his cool throughout despite the full frontal attack. This aggressive style is normal except perhaps to vain SL politicians.