In a strongly worded media briefing, United National Party (UNP) senior figure Ravi Karunanayake has accused two individuals within the party—whom he branded as “demons” and “hypocrites”—of deliberately sidelining him from party activities and manipulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe for their own agendas.
“These two demons won’t allow me to attend a single UNP event. They’ve also put Ranil Wickremesinghe forward as bait,” Karunanayake claimed. “The UNP is not a party that can be taken down overnight.”
Turning his attention to Sri Lanka’s economic situation, Karunanayake criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for proposing what he termed “impractical solutions.” He stressed that Sri Lanka can only pay off its debt by boosting exports. “If Sri Lankans themselves aren’t investing here, how do we expect foreign investors to trust us?” he asked.
He also pointed to the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan as a rare diplomatic opportunity for Sri Lanka. “Our Foreign Minister must seize this moment to mediate and keep the SAARC region intact. This is a golden opportunity for Vijitha Herath.”
Karunanayake noted that there is a visible uptick in foreign investment interest, urging policymakers to focus on strengthening the rupee, expanding exports, and leveraging trade benefits like the EU’s GSP+ concession. “Our exports mostly go to the European Union. If we want to keep those trade perks, we must follow through on our commitments,” he said.
Addressing rising tensions around US tariffs, he said, “Former President Trump wants to impose taxes all at once, which is unfair. Forty-eight countries have already raised objections. We don’t even know what Sri Lanka’s position is in all this. We should be negotiating for special trade treatment by highlighting how much we purchase from the US.”
Karunanayake was adamant that internal sabotage within the UNP was hurting not just him, but the party’s future. “Because of these two idiots, I’m being shut out. They need to be held accountable. Every party has its problems, but we must move forward together.”
He also reflected on the broader dysfunction of Sri Lanka’s political landscape. “This country hasn’t managed to properly govern itself since independence. Let’s not pretend the economy has stabilized—Ranil has to take ownership. But the entire government needs to act—not just one or two individuals.”
As for the all-party talks initiated by the President, Karunanayake said they must be approached seriously, especially amid rising uncertainty in sectors like garment manufacturing, where many jobs are now at risk.
“The UNP must travel down one united path,” he concluded. “I’m not talking for my own sake. These two hypocrites need to go. No one can stop the UNP. It’s not that kind of party.”
