Former MP questions Government’s performance, calls for UNP to strengthen its identity and outlines plans for party’s 80th anniversary
By The Pulseline News Desk
Former Parliamentarian Harin Fernando has sparked controversy with remarks that women generally have less political knowledge than men and are easier to deceive, while criticising the Government’s performance and calling for the United National Party (UNP) to strengthen its independent political identity.
Speaking to the media in Badulla today (20), Fernando has said women tended to have limited knowledge of politics and were more susceptible to being misled.
“I respect women. My mother is also a woman. However, I have to say that, in my opinion, women tend to know considerably less about politics. In many cases, they are easy to deceive,” he has said.
Acknowledging that his comments would draw criticism, Fernando has maintained that women’s political decisions had also contributed to the country’s current situation.
His remarks come amid continuing debate over women’s participation in politics and their role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Government must demonstrate results
Assessing the performance of the National People’s Power (NPP) Government, Fernando has said it had yet to demonstrate sufficient tangible results to the public.
He has accused the Government of continuing to behave like an opposition party rather than recognising the responsibilities that came with being in power. “The government seems to think it is in the opposition. It does not seem to realise that it is the government. Instead, it is carrying out the role of the opposition,” he has said.
Fernando has also described women as a source of strength for the Government, referring to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s comments on their contribution.
He has argued that the country could have achieved better results if the Government had secured broader support across society and worked collectively with different groups.
‘We were removed like weeds’
Reflecting on the political changes that had pushed him and other opposition figures away from the centre of public attention, Fernando has used a gardening analogy to describe their position.
He has said established political figures had been removed from the political landscape like weeds, while new political actors had been given an opportunity to grow and demonstrate their capabilities. “We were cleared out as if we were weeds. Now, the weeds have been pulled out and flower plants have been planted, and we are waiting for those flowers to bear fruit,” he has said.
Fernando has added that he and other political figures were waiting to see whether the new political leadership would deliver the results expected by the public.
UNP should retain its identity
Turning to the relationship between the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Fernando has said the UNP should not rush into joining forces with the SJB.
Although the two parties share political ground on certain issues, he has pointed out that the SJB remained a separate political organisation and argued that the UNP should focus on rebuilding its own identity. “Rather than having the UNP lean on the SJB, I would prefer to maintain the UNP as a separate organisation,” he has said.
Referring to former President and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Fernando has said he was prepared to demonstrate what the party could achieve if entrusted with the responsibility of rebuilding it.
He has also revealed that the UNP was planning to launch a new islandwide programme in connection with its 80th anniversary, signalling an effort to strengthen the party’s political presence.
The comments highlight the continuing debate within Sri Lanka’s traditional opposition over whether the UNP and SJB should pursue closer cooperation or maintain separate political identities.
Welcomes Metro Bus Service but criticises pace
Fernando has also commented on the Metro Bus Service, describing it as a positive initiative introduced by Wickremesinghe but criticising the pace of progress under the current administration. “Ranil Wickremesinghe introduced the Metro Bus Service as well. It is a good initiative, and I am happy with the government. However, the pace at which it is moving is too slow,” he has said.
He has also addressed his relationship with Wickremesinghe, saying the two were currently engaged in discussions and maintained a friendly relationship.
Fernando has suggested that recent political developments might have disappointed the former President, although he did not elaborate on the circumstances.
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