The Time Has Come for Father and Son to Unite: Mano Ganesan

21-Sep-2025

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A moment has come for Ranil Wickremesinghe, leader of the UNP, and Sajith Premadasa, leader of the SJB, to unite. I will work behind the scenes for that. 

This is not a den of thieves. This unity must be political, and for a brighter future in a united Sri Lanka, said Mano Ganesan, leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance.

Speaking at the UNP’s 79th convention on September 20, he said:

This is not merely the UNP’s 79th convention; it is a platform for unity. We are officially part of the SJB.

If the UNP is the mother’s house, Ranil is the father and Sajith the elder son. We are neighbors, so we don’t interfere in family quarrels. When those in his own home abandoned Ranil, we stood by him. I have never betrayed my principles, and never will.

Even now, I am with your son’s alliance. Today, the opportunity has come for father and son to unite. We will work quietly to make that happen.

We reject the notion of a 77-year curse. If such a curse exists, 51% of the blame lies with the JVP now in power. We are not fools — we know them well.

We have erred many times in history. When we engaged in divisive politics in a multi-ethnic country, our mistakes began. This led to splits in democratic parties. We must leave all that behind and move forward.

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s arrest has created an opportunity for reunion. The government calls this a den of thieves — we completely reject that. Whether someone is a thief or not must be decided by court, not by government.

Ranil was not arrested for corruption or fraud. I urge President Anura to clearly define when presidential immunity ceases and where private accountability begins. Pass a law in Parliament.

Likewise, establish a system to monitor overseas travel of leaders. Under the leadership of the opposition leader, we will support that. This unity must not only be physical but political, for the advancement of the nation. We must journey toward a united future in an undivided Sri Lanka. Ranil Wickremesinghe must lead this, he said.