Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe never genuinely stepped away from politics following his loss in the September 2024 presidential election, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila said on Monday, characterising the former president’s renewed activity as a strengthening of the opposition.
Responding to reports that Wickremesinghe is preparing to return to active frontline politics, Gammanpila said the former United National Party leader had remained engaged with opposition figures throughout. “Although he did not appear publicly in recent times, he remained active in politics,” NewsFirst quoted Gammanpila as saying. “He met us regularly and held discussions over the phone. We see his increasing involvement as a strengthening of the Opposition.”
The remarks come amid growing speculation about Wickremesinghe’s role as the opposition explores realignments and strategies for future elections. He has maintained a low public profile since the National People’s Power victory in late 2024 swept the United National Party off its parliamentary footing.
Gammanpila’s disclosure lands on the same day that the Criminal Investigation Department named him among six opposition figures facing a contempt-of-court probe over statements made about the Easter Sunday investigation, and as he separately threatened fundamental-rights petitions over the August timing of the Advanced Level examination. His characterisation of an active Wickremesinghe extends a public reframing of the opposition’s bench depth at a moment when several of its most prominent voices are being drawn back into court proceedings.
