Tyronne calls for new UNP leadership

The former UNP stalwart and ex Foreign Minister, Tyronne Fernando has called for a new leadership for the UNP and said that Ranil Wickremesinghe with his series of defeats in the past would not be a suitable party leader or a leader to lead the country.

The following is the statement by senior Advisor and former Foreign Minister, Tyronne Fernando on Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"I was amused by Ranil Wickremesinghe's new proposals for good governance by curbing the President's powers. For example, the President would have no discretion to dissolve Parliament, he would not be able to hold a Ministry or decide on the number of Ministers, and even his staff will have to report to Parliament.

It is very well-known that Ranil's one ambition since he became UNP Leader in 1994 has been to become the all-powerful Executive President. We as members of his Cabinet from 2001 to 2004 saw glimpses of it. eg. his signing the Ceasefire Agreement in 2002 on a unilateral decision undiscussed.

But Ranil was rejected by the people both in 1999 and in 2005 as in neither of these campaigns was there a word about curbing the Presidency.

What is really needed for good governance, I can say with an undefeated record in elected politics for nearly 30 years is honest, sincere and selfless leadership. A new leader for the UNP would be a good start."