Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said he was not the first choice to lead Sri Lanka during the country's unprecedented political and economic crisis in 2022, but accepted the responsibility after other leaders declined to do so.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said he was not the first choice to lead Sri Lanka during the country's unprecedented political and economic crisis in 2022, but accepted the responsibility after other leaders declined to do so.
Speaking at a recent event, Wickremesinghe reflected on the circumstances surrounding his appointment, noting that the United National Party (UNP) held only a single seat in Parliament at the time.
"I may have been about number four. But I thought it could be handled, and we have to go ahead, stabilize the economy, and work it out," he said.
He stressed that leadership during a national crisis requires readiness rather than preparation.
"You can't make yourself ready, you must be ready for it, and you should take it. If you're not ready for it, then you shouldn't be in the game," Wickremesinghe remarked.
The former President said he accepted the position because Sri Lanka was facing one of the most severe crises in its history and no other political leader was prepared to assume responsibility.
Mr. Wickremesinghe took office in 2022 amid widespread political unrest and a deep economic collapse, pledging to stabilize the economy and steer the country toward recovery. His remarks offer insight into his decision to assume leadership during one of the most challenging periods in Sri Lanka's recent history.
