Colombo, Sri Lanka – October 7, 2024 – In a firm response to mounting false rumors and defamatory claims, Ruwan Wijewardena, Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), publicly addressed the media, strongly condemning the recent wave of misinformation aimed at discrediting former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Wijewardena accused those responsible of launching a political smear campaign designed to tarnish the former president’s image, despite his significant contributions to the nation during one of its most challenging periods.
Among the accusations gaining traction on social media were claims that Ranil Wickremesinghe and his wife, Maithree Wickremesinghe, had used the Presidential Palace for personal reasons, including allegations of hosting luxury events with extravagant foreign chefs. Wijewardena categorically denied these allegations, stating that Wickremesinghe and his wife continued to reside in their private home throughout his presidency, using the Presidential Palace solely for official duties, both domestic and international.
“The former president never used the Presidential Palace for personal purposes,” Wijewardena said. “It was only used for conducting official government work. All claims to the contrary are nothing more than politically motivated slander.”
Responding to additional rumors that foreign chefs had been employed to serve luxury food items to Ranil Wickremesinghe and his guests, Wijewardena explained that these claims were entirely false. He clarified that during Wickremesinghe’s presidency, the palace’s kitchen only used local ingredients and prepared traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
“All meals served at the Presidential Palace were prepared by local chefs using ingredients from domestic suppliers,” he emphasized. “There were never any foreign chefs employed for private or public events during his time in office.”
Rumors also circulated that Wickremesinghe’s security detail had been withdrawn, adding fuel to public concerns about his safety. However, Wijewardena dismissed these claims as baseless, citing a clarification from the Acting Inspector General of Police.
“The reports stating that former President Wickremesinghe’s security was removed are completely false,” Wijewardena asserted. “The officers assigned to his protection, including 50 Special Task Force personnel, remain in place, ensuring his security around the clock.”
Wijewardena expressed frustration at the wave of rumors and misinformation, labeling them as part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting Wickremesinghe’s legacy. He highlighted Wickremesinghe’s efforts to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy during one of the most challenging crises in recent history.
“The former president took responsibility during one of the worst economic periods in Sri Lanka’s history, turning around a failing economy,” Wijewardena said. “Yet, certain political actors are trying to tarnish his reputation with baseless claims. This is nothing more than a low-level attempt to assassinate the character of someone who served his country during its darkest days.”
In his concluding remarks, Wijewardena called on the current government to focus on addressing the nation’s real challenges rather than engaging in petty political attacks. He emphasized that the government should work towards fulfilling the mandate given to them by the people, rather than wasting time on divisive rhetoric.
“We urge the government to stop wasting time on spreading falsehoods and focus on delivering what they promised to the people,” Wijewardena said. “There are more pressing issues to address in the country than engaging in a smear campaign.”
Ranil Wickremesinghe, who served as Sri Lanka’s president during a period of significant political and economic upheaval, has been credited with guiding the country through one of its worst financial crises. During his presidency, he implemented austerity measures and worked closely with international organizations, including the IMF, to secure crucial funding to stabilize Sri Lanka’s collapsing economy.
Despite these efforts, Wickremesinghe’s tenure was marred by political opposition and controversy, and he has remained a target of criticism, especially from rival political factions. The UNP’s defense of the former president suggests that they are prepared to stand firm against these attacks and continue promoting his legacy as a leader who faced down one of the country’s most severe challenges.
The false claims circulating online have prompted renewed debate about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the need for greater accountability among those who engage in political discourse in Sri Lanka.
