"I am Ready to Step Down for Unity" – Ranil Wickremesinghe Tells UNP Working Committee

COLOMBO – Former President and Leader of the United National Party (UNP), Ranil Wickremesinghe, has declared his willingness to resign from the party leadership to facilitate a long-awaited merger with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Speaking at a crucial UNP Working Committee meeting held today (17) at "Sirikotha," the former President addressed the ongoing unity talks between the two major opposition factions.

Expediting the Merger Wickremesinghe urged the negotiating committees—led by Ruwan Wijewardene and Sagala Ratnayake for the UNP and Sajith Premadasa for the SJB—to finalize their discussions without delay. He stressed that with the new year approaching, the opposition needs a unified front to challenge the current administration effectively.

"There is no time to drag these talks out. We must build a strong public force against the government starting next year," he told party members.

No Obstacle to Leadership Responding to speculation regarding leadership hurdles, Wickremesinghe was clear: "I have reached the pinnacle of my political career. I served as President and led the country through its darkest economic hour. Stepping down now is not a personal struggle for me."

He informed the committee that if the SJB requires a change in leadership as a condition for the merger, he is fully prepared to step aside, provided the UNP Working Committee supports the move. He emphasized that his priority is the survival and strength of the party and the country's democratic opposition.

The Working Committee is expected to review the official progress report of the unity talks in the coming weeks.