‘We are running out of patience’: Champika Ranawaka

In an obvious reference to the current political crisis involving the United National Party (UNP) over the presidential candidacy, its ally Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) said today that it was fast running out of patience.

Addressing a media conference, its stalwart Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said the continuity of the present set of policies would not help develop the country any further. Mr. Ranawaka said the country was badly in need of fresh policies to be executed by a new breed of leaders.

He said the future leader should spell out his or her policies on sustainable development, and be able to implement and ensure innovation-driven economic development. He added that democratic governance should be there with meritocracy, pragmatism and honesty.

“We are running out of patience,” he said.

Asked about Minister Sajith Premadasa being promoted to be the UNP nominee for the presidency, he said it could be alright if the UNP decided.

He said there was nothing for him to comment on Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

“There will be nothing but the same old family cronyism under him. But, we congratulate Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the candidate of the JVP-led front. However, we wonder whether he is capable of defeating the anti-democratic forces,” he said.