By Debunking the “Ranil Rajapaksa” Myth: A Political Reality Check
Since Ranil Wickremesinghe returned to power, first as Prime Minister and later as President, various false narratives have been crafted by his critics. Among the most prominent is the claim that Wickremesinghe was afraid to face a presidential election and would use unconventional means to delay it. This myth was shattered when the Election Commission announced the presidential poll date, with Wickremesinghe being the first to pay his deposit as an independent candidate, argus political comentater DBS Jeyaraj.
Another widely propagated falsehood concerns Wickremesinghe’s relationship with the Rajapaksa family. Critics allege that Wickremesinghe is merely a puppet of the Rajapaksas, a narrative that gained traction with the phrase “Ranil Rajapaksa,” coined by an opposition MP. However, this characterization oversimplifies the political dynamics. While it’s true that Wickremesinghe was appointed Prime Minister by Gotabaya Rajapaksa and later elected President with the support of the Rajapaksa-led SLPP, his actions in office show a different reality.
Wickremesinghe has maintained an independent economic policy, often at odds with the Rajapaksas’ preferences. His administration’s policies, developed in conjunction with the Central Bank, have not always been to the Rajapaksas’ liking, though they have grudgingly gone along with them. The relationship between Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksas has been one of mutual dependence, not subservience.
Rajapaksa stooge.
Recent events have further debunked the myth of Wickremesinghe being a Rajapaksa stooge. The SLPP’s decision to field their candidate for the upcoming presidential election, rather than support Wickremesinghe, underscores a significant divide. Although Dhammika Perera was initially tipped as the SLPP candidate, his withdrawal paved the way for Namal Rajapaksa’s candidacy, highlighting the ongoing rift between the two political figures.
Despite these developments, some continue to cling to the notion that Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksas will realign. However, the political landscape has shifted, with many SLPP MPs and district committees now backing Wickremesinghe, defying party directives. Namal Rajapaksa’s candidacy is seen more as an attempt to maintain the Rajapaksa legacy rather than a serious bid for the presidency.
The evolving situation illustrates that Wickremesinghe is not the Rajapaksa puppet he is portrayed to be. Instead, he has navigated a complex political landscape, maintaining his independence while managing the intricate relationships within Sri Lanka’s political elite
