-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -03.Feb.2025, 11.00 PM) On Wednesday(05) evening, veteran journalist Mehdi Hasan is set to host a high-stakes interview with Ranil Wickremesinghe, the former President of Sri Lanka (2022-2024) and six-time Prime Minister, at Conway Hall in London.
Wickremesinghe, a seasoned politician with over four decades in Sri Lankan politics, is known for his ability to navigate political crises and re-emerge despite electoral setbacks. However, his tenure has been marred by accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights controversies. Hasan, known for his incisive and unrelenting interview style, is expected to press Wickremesinghe on these issues.
The discussion will likely revolve around Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and governance:
1. Did Wickremesinghe’s economic policies save Sri Lanka from collapse or set it up for further crises?
2. What progress has Sri Lanka made under his leadership in tackling corruption and human rights violations?
3. Could he have done more as Prime Minister to prevent and investigate the 2019 Easter bombings?
Beyond policy, Hasan is expected to challenge Wickremesinghe on allegations of corruption, political favoritism, and controversial privatization deals:
Batalanda Torture Camp – What was Wickremesinghe’s role in the alleged operation of secret detention and torture facilities in the late 1980s?
Privatization of State Enterprises – Were state assets sold under his government at undervalued prices to close associates?
Smuggling and Customs Corruption – Did he protect figures involved in gold and mobile phone smuggling at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)?
The Gas Pricing Controversy – Why did Sri Lanka purchase liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at $129 per metric ton from OQ Trading Limited, a deal critics claim was overpriced?
Adulterated Palm Oil Imports – Did his administration allow the import of 440 tons of substandard farm oil by Sena Mills?
Preferential Bank Loans – Did his government facilitate questionable bank loans for businesses linked to his family?
Visa Processing Scandal – What was his connection to the controversial contract awarded to an Indian company to handle arrival visas at BIA in Katunayake?
Bond Scam – What was his role in the infamous Central Bank bond scandal, one of the largest financial frauds in Sri Lanka’s history?
Political Appointments – Why did his administration appoint 45 non-diplomats, including politicians’ family members, as Sri Lankan envoys?
Undisclosed Assets and Investments – Has Wickremesinghe used proxy companies to invest in businesses, including Lion Brewery?
Wickremesinghe took the reins of an economically devastated Sri Lanka in 2022, following the mass protests that led to the downfall of the Rajapaksa regime. He was seen as a stabilizing force by some and a political opportunist by others. While securing an IMF bailout, he also faced public backlash over tax hikes, inflation, and alleged elite favoritism.
Despite his political survival skills, allegations of cronyism and corruption continue to shadow his legacy. This interview with Mehdi Hasan could prove to be one of the most intense public grillings of Wickremesinghe’s career.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, at 7:30 PM at Conway Hall, London. Given the sensitive nature of the topics, the session is expected to draw significant media attention and public scrutiny.
This is a developing story—updates will follow as the interview unfolds.
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by (2025-02-03 18:40:27)
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