Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), MP Ravi Karunanayake, says that unlike during the era of former President J. R. Jayewardene, the party no longer produces strong leaders.
In an interview, Karunanayake claimed that the current trend within the UNP is to sideline emerging leaders rather than empower them.
He noted that while President Ranil Wickremesinghe himself is not directly responsible for this situation, two individuals within the party are allegedly influencing him to act in ways that suppress potential leadership.
According to Karunanayake, this internal dynamic has led to policy inconsistencies, where the party says one thing to the public but follows a different course in practice.
He stressed that the party should reflect on its direction, especially in light of the outcome of the local government elections.
“The UNP must move forward united, with all members journeying together as one,” he added.
