Colombo, 12 January — Sri Lanka’s political landscape may witness an unexpected development today, as former President and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is reportedly planning to attend a religious event organised in honour of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on the occasion of his birthday.
According to informed sources, a religious alms giving ceremony will be held at a prominent Buddhist temple in Colombo at 10.30 a.m. today to mark the birthday of Premadasa, who is also the Leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. It has been reported that Wickremesinghe, along with a group of senior UNP members, is expected to attend the event, although Premadasa’s team is said to be unaware of this plan.
Sources further indicate that Wickremesinghe and his associates are attempting to stage what is being described as a “surprise political gesture” for Premadasa. There is speculation that, in the presence of the Chief Incumbent of the temple, the UNP leadership intends to formally request Premadasa to assume the leadership of the United National Party.
However, the move is reportedly causing discomfort within Premadasa’s camp. It is alleged that several individuals accompanying Wickremesinghe to the event are figures who were linked to corruption allegations during the previous government. Political observers suggest that their presence could place Premadasa in an awkward position, particularly given his public stance on governance and accountability.
In recent months, sections of the UNP have repeatedly called on Premadasa to take over the party leadership in a bid to reorganise the opposition. Nevertheless, sources close to Premadasa say his camp remains cautious, suspecting that the proposal may be part of a broader political strategy rather than a genuine unifying effort.
As of now, neither party has officially confirmed the reported developments. All eyes will be on the Colombo event later today to see whether this anticipated political surprise materialises.
