Ranil: ‘Incumbent opposition has not presented itself as better alternative’

COLOMBO: The main reason for his decision to re-enter Parliament was to voice issues and concerns surrounding COVID-19, UNP Leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Speaking to the media, he said he previously had no intention of re-entering Parliament, but there was a lot of pressure for him to accept the UNP National List seat.

Observing that the Government’s popularity was decreasing, he however said the incumbent Opposition has not presented itself as a better alternative.

“COVID-19 is out of control now and the deaths are more than we previously guessed.

“The number of infections could be higher than we know. I understand we need to speak up on the situation.

“That is the reason for me to come forward.

“I have not seen any instance where the popularity of the Government rapidly declined like this.

However, the opposition has got no alternative yet. It is a dangerous situation. We have to think about how to take this country forward,” he commented.