Political dynamics may shift with new parties: President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today (6) that the political landscape has evolved with the emergence of numerous new parties.

“The dynamics may shift further in upcoming elections, underscoring the need to prioritize national interests over partisan agendas to prevent further division,” the President said.

Speaking at a meeting with lawyers from the Anuradhapura district President Wickremesinghe reflected on recent events that have shaken the foundations of democracy in the country.

He also stressed the detrimental consequences of tailoring the country’s economy to suit party agendas while underscoring the imperative of breaking away from conventional political practices to avert future crises.

“The era of traditional thinking has drawn to a close, and it is imperative that we break free from the constraints of conventional politics, which have led us into the challenging circumstances we now face”, he said

Mr Wickremesinghe emphasized that party system must adapt to serve the interests of the nation, recognizing that the country’s development cannot be subject to the whims of political parties.

The President pointed out that the country’s history bears witness to the myriad challenges arising from such practices, with accountability often lacking, leaving the country in a state of political impasse.

He said that he advocates for a collaborative approach among major political entities to address issues.

He urged for the unity of the legal fraternity in upholding law and order while propelling the nation towards progress.

The president pointed out that though parties may pledge to combat corruption, yet it is the judiciary’s role to prosecute wrongdoers. Embracing modern political practices is essential to combatting outdated norms.