In a rare display of political flexibility, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe signals his willingness to step aside if it paves the way for long-delayed opposition unity in Sri Lanka.
Former President and United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated that he is prepared to resign as party leader if his position becomes an obstacle to unifying the UNP with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
According to a report carried by Lankadeepa, Wickremesinghe made this position clear during a UNP Working Committee meeting held at Sirikotha, the party headquarters in Pitakotte, on Wednesday. He reportedly told party officials that he has no personal objection to stepping down if the SJB agrees to merge with the UNP and form a single political force.
Talks on cooperation and possible merger between the UNP and the SJB are currently underway. The UNP has appointed a committee comprising Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena, General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, and National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake to handle negotiations. On the SJB side, the discussions are being led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
Wickremesinghe told the Working Committee that he has not yet received a formal progress report on the talks. However, he stressed that time is limited and that the discussions must be concluded quickly. He emphasized the need for opposition parties to unite from next year onward to build a strong and credible people’s movement capable of challenging the government.
He further stated that he would accept any agreement reached between the two parties, even if it involves the UNP Working Committee proposing Sajith Premadasa or another individual as leader of a merged political entity. Wickremesinghe reiterated that he personally supports the idea of the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya coming together under a unified structure.
“I have been the party leader for a long time. I became the President of the country. I have reached the highest possible position. At the most difficult moment for the country, I took responsibility and worked to elevate it. Therefore, stepping down is not a problem for me. But this must be concluded quickly,” Wickremesinghe told the committee, according to the report.
His remarks underscore a significant moment in Sri Lankan opposition politics, where leadership concessions may shape the future balance of power.
