Prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that Ranil Wickremesinghe is the most suitable person to lead the opposition.
He had said this during an interview with 'Daily Mirror'.
The following is an excerpt of the interview.
Q : What is your view on the role of the present opposition?
A : The split in the opposition is not a healthy sign for democracy. A strong opposition keeps a government in check and forces it to deliver.
Q : There is a call for former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to join Parliament. What is your view?
A: I don’t think there is anyone other than him to represent the UNP in Parliament. He is the most suitable person to lead the opposition.
Q : You say so because he is your old friend. Am I correct?
A : (Laughs) It isn’t because he is my friend. Politically speaking, he is the suitable person. His presence is disadvantageous to the government, though. I believe a strong opposition is always needed. The present opposition is not effective. At that time, the Joint Opposition was far more effective.
(Mirror)