Ranil unhappy with Al Jazeera interview, questions integrity of panelists

6 March 2025 07:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 57 Bookmark

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Colombo, March 6 (Daily Mirror) - Expressing his dissatisfaction with the interview with Al Jazeera which was broadcast today, former President Ranil Wickremeisnghe raised questions on the integirty of the panelists who were part of the interview.

Speaking to the media soon after the interview was released, Wickremesinghe claimed that two of the three panelists, who joined broadcaster Mehdi Hasan, had pro-LTTE stances.

“I was informed that Human Rights Lawyer and Former Commissioner of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Ambika Sathkunanathan will participate in the interview. I was happy as I have known her, though our ideologies were different. However I found out that there were two other panelists instead of Ms. Sathkunanathan. I have been told that the two of them had pro-LTTE links,” he said.

“This interview was different. Interviews which I do with local media are different. They go live and everything good and bad comes out. However Al Jazeera interviewed me for two hours but they have released a one-hour interview. The best part was missing," Wickremesinghe said.

"I was asked about the happenings during the reign of the Rajapaksas. I said I was not in power then. Also, I told them that the Mahanayaka of Malwathu chapter is the foremost religious leader in Sri Lanka while others including Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is just another religious leader,” he added.

Comments - 57

Crazy8 Thursday, 06 March 2025 07:49 PM

What's happening to our experienced cashew-eater? Losing it on a daily basis?

24 228

ICC Thursday, 06 March 2025 08:43 PM

THE FOX WENT TO THE PARTY AND GOT CAUGHT UP IN THE TRAP.

2 35

ICC Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:49 PM

THE FOX WENT TO THE PARTY, BUT GOT CAUGHT UP IN THE TRAP.

1 17

Kamal Thursday, 06 March 2025 11:09 PM

We saw in independence day who ate cashews.

17 13

Crazy8 Friday, 07 March 2025 11:48 AM

Aren't they amateur cashew eaters? I was referring to the self-proclaimed experienced cashew eater :)

0 11

Chrishain Jayalath Friday, 07 March 2025 04:59 PM

Aiyo Kamal. You don't know the difference between cashew and peanuts? Tsk Tsk

0 4

Samantha Friday, 07 March 2025 08:44 AM

First you should have integrity. Do you have it. Back door Seeya please don't complain.

2 16

Alex Thursday, 06 March 2025 07:49 PM

What are you doing Ranil ? Retire in peace from politics

22 157

G. Sunil Perera Thursday, 06 March 2025 08:09 PM

I thought the questions were like the ones we get in Sri Lanka! They're written by our own staff. This is unfair as they went on asking unscripted ones. I just wanted slow full tosses to hit sixers and fours.

15 137

Nihal S Thursday, 06 March 2025 08:11 PM

Really, so what? Who cares? Note that those international news channels do not ask the questions that you want them to ask from you. They are under no obligation to you.

18 185

Spot Fines Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:38 PM

All of us seem s to have cared to read about this and even comment about it! if Ranil is teash why are we wasting our time reading about it and commenting as well?

9 5

Swarna Mudalige Friday, 07 March 2025 02:37 AM

I watched this. And the interviewer was working for an agenda. Before Ranil could give an answer he jumped on to another question and it was very obvious that his whole motive was to ridicule and embarrass Ranil. And when he did not get the answer from Ranil he turned to another person on the panel and she answered the question to suit the interviewer. Throughout the interview he sounded angry, arrogant and showed no respect. Whether it is Ranil or anyone else, there has to be some decorum is my opinion.

25 21

Spartacus Saturday, 08 March 2025 05:23 AM

You mean like the answer he gave for OMP where he stated they are unable to locate the missing because all of them are dead!!! Seriously, is that an answer? The OMP is tasked to locate the missing whether alive or dead. If dead, how? Now drag the issue, until the perpetrators, witnesses, victims family members are all dead, then close the case like done with Thajudeen case.

0 7

Krish Thursday, 06 March 2025 08:25 PM

Of course they gonna spin it the way they want. Don't act surprised.

13 90

Spectator2025 Thursday, 06 March 2025 08:32 PM

Ranil always has a habit of ridiculing the reporters by cross questioning them and with slip shoddy answers. This time he didn't have his own game. You cannot have your have your way every time.

15 194

Krishna Thursday, 06 March 2025 08:32 PM

Anyway Anura and his government should be thankful to Wickramasinghe regarding not betraying the country...

149 39

AL JAZEERA DO NOT MIX THEIR WORDS AND WELL EXPERIENCED IN GOING INTO THE MEAT OF THE MATTER TO GET OUT THE TRUTH. Thursday, 06 March 2025 09:11 PM

KRISHNA, COME DOWN TO EARTH HE BETRAYED THE COUNTRY AND US ALL, BUT TAKING ON THE PRESIDENCY OFFERED BY GOTA AND NOT CALLING ALL THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STATE THE COUNTRY WAS HANDED OVER TO HIM. RANIL COULD HAVE EASLY CALLED THEM ALL OUT, HE DAMN WELL KNEW/KNOWS WHO THEY ARE AND THEIR CORRUPT DEALINGS THAT GOT THEM ALL AS WEALTHY AS THEY ARE NOW, THEY MANYNOT HAVE ALL EGGS IN OEN BASKET, SURE TO BE PUT IN PROPERTY, BUSINESSES AROUND THE WORLD AND USED STOOGES TOO THIS IS WHY IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO TRACE ALL TRANSACTIONS, ESPECIALLY WITH MONEY LAUNDERING WHICH IN SOME INSTANCES CAN BE EASILY TURNED INTO CLEAN MONEY FOR A FEE. KRISHNA HAS JUST COME OUT OF A SELF INDUCED COMA. AS FOR RANIL, HE FAILS TO REALISE THAT HIS INTEGRITY WITH THE MAJORITY OF US IS NON EXISTENCE.

4 17

Onlooker Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:56 PM

Never was anything about the country's economic or other security was involved and only what happened when he was in power pre 1996 and 2015 to 2020 and 2022-2024 were issues discussed. So there was nothing for him to betray but get bashed by the panelists.

0 14

Sri Wickrema Thursday, 06 March 2025 09:01 PM

This is what happened to the woodpecker that pecked the banana tree. Shame !

1 23

TIME TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THE MAJORITY OF CITIZENS DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A BAR OF YOU IN POLITICS AND OR THEIR LIVES. Thursday, 06 March 2025 09:22 PM

RANIL HAS STILL TO REALISE THAT THE MAHANAYAKE OF THE MULWATTA CHAPTER IS THE FOREMOST BUDDHIST RELIGIOUS LEADER IN THE COUNTRY BECAUSE BUDDISTS ARE THE MAJORITY. HOWEVER, TO THE CHRISTIANS THERE ARE SEVERAL CHURCHES AND CARDINAL MALCOLM RANJITH IS NOT REPEAT NOT JUST ANOTHER RELIGIOUS LEADER!! THE NERVE OF THIS TRAITOR SWEPT THE ONE BIG QUESTION AND WHAT THE PEOPLE WANTED TO BE THRASHED OUT WAS HOW AND WHO WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BANKRUPT COUNTRY HE TOOK OVER, HE FAILED!! INSTEAD COVERED UP THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS AND THEIR STOOGES, INCLUDING THE BOND SCAM. WHAT MORE CAN WE EXPECT FROM A GUTLESS, SPINELESS MAN WHO HAS NO BACKBONE AND SO HE WAS A PUPPET ON STRINGS MOVED BY THE RAJAPASKE'S. HE WAS CHOSEN AS THEY KNEW NO ONE ELSE WOULD HAVE BEEN PREPARED TO BE A PUPPET ON STRINGS PERIOD.

1 21

Rogue Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:00 PM

That interview showed exactly who Ranil Rajapaksa is. He thinks that he is fantastic and can handle the media, but he came across guilty as accused and couldn't give a straight answer to save himself. His inability answer some questions and trying to deflect other questions and attacking the interviwer showed he is and has been protecting the Rajapakse family. He wanted to big note himself by accepting to attend that interview and showed the world what an idiot he is with his performance. Next time he is asked these questions it will be under oath very soon.

3 26

Roberta Flack Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:29 PM

RW should be given an award for the best side stepper. He cannot face hard questions and when he is challenged he gets aggressive. He clearly lacks basic leadership and diplomatic skills. A national embarrassment

3 32

iEGO Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:31 PM

The fox went to the party, but got caught in a trap.

2 20

AJ Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:42 PM

Aiyo, what the importance of this political outcast ,whom totally rejected by his countrymen, his past is so stinking due to his activities in Batalanda torture camp, leading international bank robbers to break central bank of SriLanka

2 19

Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 06 March 2025 10:52 PM

You can’t play the same games you play with local half baked journalists. It just goes to show your incompetence at public speaking.

2 18

Kumudu Fonseka Thursday, 06 March 2025 11:18 PM

Questions were in only to say I am responsible since I am the prime minister and I knew and I expected the post of president after the bombing. Yes, batalanda was my game plan to secure KGB agenda. Appointing a parliamentary commission for Riched Soysa I stop. Yes, Aragalaya, jVp oppression and conspiracy for Tamil greater autonomy is my plan.

0 12

Ranjith is another nut case, not kaju nut Thursday, 06 March 2025 11:31 PM

Well done sir. Poor Ranjith

0 6

R Friday, 07 March 2025 12:19 AM

Unelected master debating ex president gone mad.unelected master debater who learned from his uncle how it can be done in mile high club while normal folks wear ball guard bum guard

0 15

S.P.Ramkumar Friday, 07 March 2025 12:23 AM

Hello Sir Your statement and answers were telecasted. Don't blame medium.

0 16

A Man with a worth and vision Friday, 07 March 2025 01:00 AM

He stood strong and tall, because he was RW. Imagine if it was not RW and any other leaders, they would have completely shattered. Kudus to RW.

28 14

G Das Friday, 07 March 2025 01:42 AM

Why didnt RW take objection immediately after the interview without waiting for a month to "cry"; AFTER the interview was aired. His Arrogance has been and will continue to be his enemy number 1. How pathetic he looked under pressure!!!

3 21

Jagath Leanage Friday, 07 March 2025 02:28 AM

You were answer less. After that interview we clearly know what kind of a person you are. Your political career is finished now,, Ranil.

2 23

T . Rasalingam Friday, 07 March 2025 03:18 AM

Don’t think about becoming President again Please retire do not speak rubbish in side out side of Srilanka .

2 23

Soori Maripalan Friday, 07 March 2025 03:45 AM

Pin face is back after enjoying Pin Benefits! Kaalakanniya - the Satan the JR Putra of SL! THU - THUU - THUUU

3 9

Ylg Friday, 07 March 2025 04:02 AM

I thought it was a good interview. The usual Hasan stuff. Surely Mr. Wickramasinghe didn't go for the interview without expecting straight up hard questions? It's one of the hardest shows. All the questions were legit concerning Mr. Wickramasinghe.

1 17

Rasi Friday, 07 March 2025 04:54 AM

A person who lacks integrity questions the integrity of others. This shows the quality of Sri Lankan politicians.

1 15

Darcey Friday, 07 March 2025 06:00 AM

when you cant dance you complain the stage is not good... i dont believe we ever had a good leader thus far except for Premadasa, and time yet needs to say about Anura, who i hope would be

1 12

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 07 March 2025 06:10 AM

You were given the last chance to redeem yourself when you were made the unelected President. You became the lap dog of the MR Clan. You claimed that you were elected to cleanup the economic mess, which you did not as it required to betray the MR Clan and the big businesses for the sake of the country. Yet you did not use the chance. Even now you are defending them. You made your bed. Now lie in it. The interviewers questions were valid and you had no plausible answers. Just leave politics for the UNP to regroup or are you staying put to try and save you from jail?

1 17

Mark Sim Friday, 07 March 2025 06:54 AM

Mr Wikremasimghe, you were a total disgrace. You arrogance, lack of empathy and childish behaviour was on display on the international stage. Your intimidating tactics with the local journalist did not work with MH. You can't be proud of your 40 years of political experience, sadly, you have a lot to learn. It's time you keep whatever little dignity you have left and walk away, and we might still call you Mr. Disce aut Discede!

1 21

Herman Perera Friday, 07 March 2025 07:16 AM

He does'nt like to be BULLIED, but he likes to BULLY Others. Politicians feel uneasy when they have to face the TRUTH. He was Jack of all Trades but Master of NONE.

1 19

Mithula Friday, 07 March 2025 07:38 AM

Can someone please stop this old fool from talking and bringing disrespect to our country internationally. Why can’t he retire respectfully and watch his Netflix movies!

1 17

Sokrates Friday, 07 March 2025 07:40 AM

Can this man not be placed in a closed home for dementia patients? He's just talking absolute rubbish and damaging the country in the process.

1 19

Upulpb Friday, 07 March 2025 07:55 AM

Wonder why he did not mention about the panelists before the interview started. Always in deniel

1 15

Rip Winkle Friday, 07 March 2025 08:06 AM

Illang kaava, neda seeya?

0 18

Chams Friday, 07 March 2025 08:18 AM

Smug face yours, says it all!

0 14

A Ferdinand Friday, 07 March 2025 08:46 AM

A pathetic, delusional old man, who thinks of himself as a Superman!

0 16

Arthur Padmasiri Friday, 07 March 2025 08:54 AM

Ranil was a poor match for the eminent journalist and the panel. It was like a stupid school kid answering teachers questions. Surprisingly, his non-native English was also erratic. Al-Jazeera exposed his incompetence

0 19

Rana Friday, 07 March 2025 09:33 AM

Only thing now left is to question panalitsts integrity and to hide under saffron robe...

1 15

Ram P Friday, 07 March 2025 09:42 AM

Ranil must first check his integrity before questioning others about their integrity

0 18

dinesh Friday, 07 March 2025 10:08 AM

sour grapes from a old fox, who thought that everyone panders to his whims...stupidity grows when aging...

0 16

Foot Note Friday, 07 March 2025 01:19 PM

Next AKD will be interviewed regarding the progress of Ester conspiracy investigations.......

5 2

Cherath Friday, 07 March 2025 02:29 PM

The complete annihilation of Ranil Batalanda Wickremesinghe is better understood if you just pause and see who he really was and is - a far too hyped up chap on the back of his ex Royal College days and Lawyer status with hardly anything but idiotic, feeble and impotent performances as ex premier and president in governance but excelling in barbarity when suppressing youth who dared to stand up to him at Batalanda. Against unknown questions and forthright panel members Ranil is bound to blown to bits, everytime. Oratory skills.....oh forget it!

0 7

Foot note Saturday, 08 March 2025 08:31 AM

A fitting description for overall Buddhist politics as well.

1 4

Indra Dasa Saturday, 08 March 2025 05:31 AM

For Such Internationally telecast reputed media agencies such as Al Jazeera ,doesn't conduct biased telecast , They invite independent Observers as well as Members to the Panel . It was same for this Media telecast too , As RW expected they will not invite even though regarded as independent individual or observer , who served in Sri Lanka for some time due to even very little conflict of interest issue .Also as RW expected to have some one who could back him up for when he was telling lies in front of the international television telecast on Al Jazeera . RW's dishonest expectation never be fulfilled in such a reputed television network like some very few dishonest media television network in SRI LANKA operated by relatives or friends of some Politicians who are subjected to be involved in mis management of government wealth during their time in the previous governments .

1 2

Rathnavali Saturday, 08 March 2025 10:30 AM

All these people attacking and ridiculing Ranil Wickramasinghe, will one day realize that he was the only leader who stood for the country, worked for the country and if he not been throw out by foolish people, who would have made this country another "Singapore" in the region. This attack on Ranil is similar to how people thrashed Dudley Senanayake when he lost elections, but 30 years later, keeps praising him as the only genuine politician that this country every had! Our people divided by ethnic and political issues, brainwashed by media and hidden hands, will reject the best leader and will always get the worst leader for the country.

5 1

Foot note Saturday, 08 March 2025 06:40 PM

@rathnavali He cleared the way for successors. But they insult him. Some say that only Harini is capable of facing such an interview with media. But she is still inexperienced and also pro LGBTQ.....Z. Anyway let successors be successful only in their legitimate deals.....

2 0

Ian Bertus Friday, 14 March 2025 09:10 AM

What a stupid man. So in effect he is saying that since the panalists were LTTE Tigers- he could not dupe the audience? Also what relevance of the Mahanayake? - Mahanayaka may be big for him- but in the world a Cardinal is more recognised as a elector of a European State. Thanks to Al Jazeera, this fool was exposed to the world. He fooled the innocent people of this country by his own trumpet, but now his real character is unraveled.

0 0

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