In a bold and controversial statement, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared that Sri Lanka today possesses the most powerful government in the world second only to China, based on its reported influence over U.S. trade policy. Wickremesinghe was referring to the recent 90-day deferral of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which he claims occurred following a letter sent by the Sri Lankan government.
Speaking at an event held at the United National Party (UNP) headquarters in Sirikotha, Wickremesinghe offered a pointed critique of current economic narratives while defending the international clout of Sri Lanka’s leadership.
“We sent a letter, and President Trump postponed the tariffs for ninety days,” he said. “Is there any other government in the world that can do that? No one has done that. We have the most powerful government in the world after China.”
His remarks come amid rising scrutiny over Sri Lanka’s economic projections, debt sustainability, and the credibility of government communications. According to Wickremesinghe, even reports from the Asian Development Bank indicate that economic growth is on a downward trajectory—projected to decline to 3.9% this year and to 3.4% in 2026.
“They are not able to pay off the debt,” he said, urging the current President and Finance Minister to provide a clearer explanation of the country’s fiscal future.
Wickremesinghe’s comments appear designed to provoke reflection—both on the narratives of economic strength and the realities of international leverage. While the claim about influencing Trump’s decision remains unverified, it signals the former President’s continued engagement in shaping the public discourse around Sri Lanka’s global standing and domestic economic management.
This man is seriously deluded.