Ranil Wickremesinghe Takes the Helm of Sri Lanka
What a turnaround! Sri Lanka’s seasoned lawyer and former prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has finally snagged the highest office in the land—after a parliamentary vote that silenced a sea of protests. At 73, the veteran politician won 134 out of 225 seats, beating rival Dullas Alahapperuma by a tidy margin.
From Long‑Haul Candidate to New President
Think of it as a career comeback: Wickremesinghe ran for president twice before and lost, yet each time he managed to secure enough votes from lawmakers to keep the door open. Now, as president, he’ll face the beast that is Sri Lanka’s economic crisis head‑on.
Why He’s a Strong Choice (Or Not)
- Experience‑packed: He’s held several top posts, including prime minister, and is known as a shrewd operator who knows how to navigate the political maze.
- International ties: Negotiations with the IMF and close relationships with donor nations—especially India—give him a lifeline.
- Critics’ view: Many still question his ability to calm the flames that erupted over high inflation, fuel shortages, and blackouts.
Getting the Vote: Power Plays and Party Politics
Despite the Rajapaksa family’s dominance in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, Wickremesinghe managed to rally enough members to win. He stepped in as prime minister in May after Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned amid violent protests.
Key quote from the SLPP’s general secretary:
“We feel Wickremesinghe is the only person with the know‑how and capacity to solve the economic crisis,” he said.
What’s Next for the New President?
Presidential duties include finishing the run‑off of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s term, which was slated to end in 2024. Wickremesinghe’s next move will be to push through an IMF bailout that could be as large as $3 billion and to implement an interim budget that cuts government spending.
Whether he can calm the millions who took to the streets earlier this month remains a pressing question. Their anger was aimed at Rajapaksa, but they’ve also demanded the new president step down—an ultimatum he’s not ready to heed.
Bottom Line
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s ascent to power is nothing short of drama‑series-worthy—complete with plot twists, political chess moves, and a fight against a devastating economic crisis. The nation watches as he edges toward turning the tide, one angry protester and one IMF agreement at a time.
‘Politics is a bloodsport’
From Dynasty to Power Struggles: The Rise of Wickremesinghe
Early Days – A Political Genealogy
Born into a powerhouse clan of politicians and media moguls, Wickremesinghe was handed the country’s youngest cabinet slot at just 29 years old, courtesy of his uncle, President Junius Jayewardene, back in 1978.
1994: A Crisis Turns a Leader
Fast forward to 1994, when tragedy swept through the UNP hierarchy. Amid the assassinations of senior colleagues, the young man stepped up and became the party’s new head, steering it through tumultuous waters.
Who’s There, Really?
- Unlike the Rajapaksas, Wickremesinghe’s fanbase is largely the wealthy urban crowd.
- Despite the narrow base, he’s found a way back to the prime minister’s chair time and again.
July 9, 2021 – Sit or Step?
Protests hit Colombo hard. People marched, a section of his home burned, and on the day highlight, Wickremesinghe announced he was willing to step down as Prime Minister.
Economic Maven Meets Global Giants
He’s a liberal with IMF chops and has cultivated ties with China and India, nations vying for influence over the strategic Indian Ocean island.
Critics & Controversies
Accusations run in the wings: critics say he’s stalled investigations into the Rajapaksa family’s alleged human rights abuses and corruption. Wickremesinghe, meanwhile, has denied the charges.
The Split – Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB)
His refusal to cede party leadership spurred the formation of SJB. Its stand‑out, Sajith Premadasa, once a presidential hopeful, eventually pulled out and threw his weight behind Alahapperuma in the parliamentary roll‑call.
Final Vote – The “More Than Chess” Moment
When parliament convened to finalize nominees on Tuesday, the power play added drama. Premadasa’s exit left a gap that P… Alahapperuma couldn’t fill, and the vote remained unchanged.
Wickremesinghe on Politics (2014 TV Interview)
“Politics is more than chess,” he asserted. “It’s like a cricket match: teamwork, endurance for the marathon. A rugger game. And a blood sport like boxing.”
The Bottom Line
Independent, resourceful, and resilient—Wickremesinghe has survived waves of political turbulence and remains a key player in Sri Lanka’s leadership arena. Whether he stays or steps down, the nation watches, anticipates, and laughs at the drama it calls the political game.
