• Says we have noticed a mudslinging campaign on social media against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, especially after the Presidential Election

By Yohan Perera

While highlighting that there is a move to sling mud at former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday said that Mr. Wickremesinghe has not asked for foreign chefs, foreign food and additional security. 

Mr. Wijewardene said in a special statement that the party believes the comment made by the Acting IGP that the withdrawal of Mr. Wickremesinghe’s security was cancelled and that his security has been restored.

Following is the statement made by Mr. Wijewardene in this regard.

We have noticed a mudslinging campaign against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, especially after the Presidential Election over social media. What is said in these reports is totally false and we vehemently condemn this exercise.

It was reported that security details of the former President have been withdrawn, and the said officers are expected to report to the police divisions they have been transferred to. However, the Acting IGP has denied this report and said these officers are still engaged in providing security for Mr Wickremesinghe. We believe the Acting IGP and expect him to focus on the situation.

Also, neither the former President nor Madam Maithree Wickremesinghe used the President’s House for their personal use. They only used it for official work. The allegation that they have asked for foreign chefs and have consumed foreign food is totally false. This is a statement which is issued with malice. Food was purchased for the President’s House from local suppliers.

Also, the video which is circulated claiming it to be the kitchen at the President’s house is totally false. This is being shared by less intelligent people.

We in the UNP are saddened by the mudslinging campaign which tries to assassinate the character of Mr. Wickremesinghe. He was a person who performed his duty towards the nation.

We believe that the citizens of this country have the intelligence to understand the truth. We also like to tell those who are behind the campaign to focus on fulfilling the aspirations of the people who gave them a mandate to rule this nation.