Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday cast doubt on the government’s recent assertion that it had successfully negotiated changes to the United States’ stance on reciprocal tariffs, suggesting such claims were premature and misleading.
Speaking at a meeting in Kandy, Wickremesinghe directly challenged the credibility of the government’s announcement, stating that the U.S. is still engaged in broader deliberations with major global economies and is unlikely to prioritize smaller nations such as Sri Lanka at this stage.
“The government is claiming that it has been successful in convincing the U.S. to change its stance on the reciprocal tariff,” he said. “How can this be? The USA is yet to complete its deliberations with China and the larger nations. It will focus on larger nations initially. They will focus on smaller nations later.
The former president touched on the current political climate, voter sentiment, and the performance of the government since his departure from office. He pointed to increasing public disillusionment with traditional parties and newer alternatives alike.
“We have supporters who voted for us, as well as those who voted for the ‘Compass’ in the last general election,” he said. “But now, they seem a bit tired of the compass. Talk to them and explain the real situation.”
Wickremesinghe argued that the electorate’s turn toward the NPP was a reaction to economic turmoil, but claimed the party has since failed to deliver solutions. “When the economy collapsed, people turned to the compass because they saw no alternative. But even the compass didn’t have a solution. Now, some are growing tired of this government.”
Criticising the government’s record, Wickremesinghe questioned what had been achieved over the past six months. “When I took over the country, I ended the queues. I secured funds from the IMF. What are these people doing now?”
He also took aim at recent remarks by the President, claiming they reflected political insecurity. “Some people say they will win again. President AKD says that if you don’t vote for us, we won’t give you money. Isn’t this what you say when you know you’re losing?”
“Even if people do vote for you, do you have money to give? Other than what’s already been approved, what more is there?” he asked.
Wickremesinghe further condemned threats allegedly made against public servants by the current administration.
“I saw the President threatening public servants, saying they would be transferred. I’m grateful that he revealed his true thoughts before the postal vote,” he said, adding that the independence of civil servants is protected by the Constitution and should not be compromised for political gain.
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