Ready to Be a “Scapegoat” for a Ranil–Sajith Alliance
23-Nov-2025.
Opposition parties must learn from the Nugegoda rally that without working together, it will be impossible to carry this journey forward successfully. If anyone believes that I am an obstacle to a possible alliance between Ranil and Sajith, I have no objection to becoming a scapegoat for that, said United National Party Deputy General Secretary Harin Fernando.
He made these remarks at a press conference held at Ranil Wickremesinghe’s political office in Colombo on November 22.
He further stated:
The anti-government Nugegoda rally was held very successfully. I extend my thanks to its organizers. The United National Party represents the southern political camp. We are prepared, at any moment, to unite with any force formed against the government. I am ready to work in line with whatever decision is made by the party leadership.
During the Nugegoda rally, I faced challenges unlike anything I have encountered in my political career. Yet, despite all obstacles, we successfully completed the event. Within two minutes of Namal Rajapaksa concluding his speech, power was cut across Nugegoda for nearly an hour. Given the ongoing advanced-level examinations, the meeting was held with utmost caution. Not a single firecracker was set off until 5 p.m.
Not only those who participated in the Nugegoda rally but also several individuals, including Sujeewa Senasinghe and Harshana Rajakaruna of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), extended support to us in various ways. We are confident that they will participate in future rallies. Plans have already been made to hold several similar meetings in the coming days, along with 1,000 smaller community gatherings.
The lesson from the Nugegoda rally is that our journey cannot continue successfully without unity. It is essential that the UNP and the SJB come together as the southern political camp.
If we fail to do so now, and if this unification is delayed further, the southern camp risks fragmenting in different directions. The people do not care about party labels when joining forces capable of confronting challenges.
The SJB must examine this matter more deeply. We will discuss this with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe once he returns to the country. The people have been waiting for the opposition to rise against the government. Creating such an opportunity is the responsibility of the opposition, and we have fulfilled that responsibility. If the SJB delays taking a decisive decision, they may face the same kind of defeat as in the 2024 election.
If anyone thinks I am an obstacle to Ranil and Sajith forming an alliance, I am prepared to step aside. I have no objection to being the scapegoat for the unification of the two factions. For me, restoring the UNP to governance is far more important than holding political positions.
