United Republican Front leader Patali Champika Ranawaka has alleged that the 22nd Amendment enables the National People's Power to perpetuate its rule without holding elections, while also criticizing the government's economic management and failure to meet International Monetary Fund targets.
United Republican Front leader Patali Champika Ranawaka has leveled accusations that the controversial 22nd Amendment provides a mechanism for the National People's Power to remain in power without conducting elections. Speaking to media at the UNP offices on Tuesday, the former minister pointed to statements made by NPP parliamentary members about potential 10 to 20-year intervals without elections, arguing that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and government spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa failed to publicly reject such declarations.
Ranawaka criticized the government for postponing Provincial Council elections and abandoning election-related promises made during the 2024 campaign, including commitments to eliminate the executive presidency. He alleged that officials deliberately delay electoral processes due to concerns about potential legal consequences under a different administration. The URF leader also rejected government claims of successful corruption enforcement, citing the case of a former official involved in a 2021 gas crisis who allegedly received protection from the current administration.
On economic matters, Ranawaka expressed concern about Sri Lanka's capacity to sustain current policies beyond 2027. He noted that while the previous administration under Ranil Wickremesinghe secured IMF backing between 2022 and 2024, the debt moratorium ends in 2028, creating significant challenges ahead. According to Ranawaka, the IMF requires foreign reserves to reach USD 6.8 billion and subsequently USD 12 billion and USD 15 billion by specific benchmarks, while current reserves stand at USD 6.4 billion—below target levels.
Ranawaka further contended that the government has failed to hold responsible parties accountable for the 2022 economic collapse, noting that the IMF had issued prior warnings about economic deterioration before the declaration of bankruptcy.
