Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), MP Ravi Karunanayake, stated in Parliament that the idealism and perceived “beauty” experienced while in opposition often disappear once a party assumes power.
Karunanayake pointed out that those who were once quick to criticize governments while in opposition must now face the reality of governance and act responsibly. He emphasized that ministers and MPs should operate with sincerity and realism, not hypocrisy.
Recalling the economic progress under the UNP-led government in 2015, Karunanayake noted that the GDP growth rate, which stood at 8.2% at the time, rose to 12%, then to 13.5% in 2016, and further to 14.8% in 2017. However, he said that by 2019, the growth rate was 14.9%, but it drastically declined to 8.2% by 2022 due to the country’s economic collapse.
He credited the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe for helping the economy recover, pointing out that the growth rate increased to 11% in 2023 and 13.9% in 2024.
While the government now claims the GDP growth rate has reached 14%, Karunanayake said that it is up to intelligent and responsible MPs in the ruling party to properly explain these figures. He concluded by urging all political leaders to put aside hypocrisy and work together sincerely to rebuild the country.
