Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s 73rd birthday falls today (24). This note is for his 73rd birthday.
After a two-year hiatus, Ranil Wickremesinghe was able to draw the attention of the entire political audience to the country yesterday. He was the ‘political star’ or the ‘man of the match’ at yesterday’s All Party Conference.
Wickremesinghe in his fully channelled consciousness on what he was doing and with good forethought attended the conference and hit the arrow directly piercing the brains of the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Ajith Nivard Cabraal and the Minister of Finance, Basil Rajapaksa.
Yesterday can be considered as an opportunity for Ranil to show his potential as an individual, even though the UNP has suffered the biggest setback in its history and won only one National List seat. In fact, the UNP suffered the same fate because of Ranil’s mistakes. However, despite all these mistakes, Ranil proved yesterday that he is a person who cannot be ignored in the political arena.
In fact, the gist of yesterday’s All-Party Conference was that it was only Ranil Wickremesinghe who came forward with a clear mind and maturity to face the current economic crisis, while others, of all things, are either blinded by power already bestowed upon them or chasing a power that lies in a future reality. Those of neither tendencies may have no idea what the crisis befallen the country actually is.
In the midst of all the drama, Ranil stood out with his vast experience.
Ranil has already proven to be a failed leader in organizing a political party and attracting people to a party. But it should not be an obstacle for the country to take advantage of his vast political experience and international relations. His uncanny experience in politics and the relationships of the aforesaid nature are invaluable to the country, especially at a time when the country is facing a critical crisis regarding its future.
Ranil of the Opposition and Ranil of Power
Another thing to be reminded of is that Ranil of the Opposition and Ranil of Power in our experience so far are completely two different individuals, two personas that contradict with each other resembling a Jekyll and Hyde scenario.
Ranil’s version of Power so far has gathered his inner circle and let them play the game their way to the point in which his consciousness and concern on the power seized so hard being swept away is null. This reminisces the famous Sri Lankan proverb of a man being ‘brainless in power and powerless in brains.’
Ranil, therefore, should learn to secure his enlightened brain in the Opposition in Power as well.
Two years ago we wrote to Ranil adding wishes to his birthday and asking him to retire from politics. Given the current situation, we will not write it this time.
We wish Ranil Wickremesinghe on his 73rd birthday and wish him all the best for the sake of the country.
Nonetheless, it should also be noted that we do not know how this crucial moment will end.
