United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene has issued a public statement defending former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently in custody and undergoing treatment in hospital.

Wijewardene described Wickremesinghe as a statesman who “saved the country at its darkest hour” during the 2022 economic collapse. He recalled how the former President assumed office “when people were dying in queues, schools were closed, and hospitals were without medicine,” crediting his leadership with stabilising Sri Lanka and restoring democratic order.

He further noted that Wickremesinghe “never acted for personal gain,” respected democratic transitions in both victory and defeat, and consistently faced investigations without leaving the country. Urging the public and political rivals to “awaken their conscience,” he said the former leader’s record should be assessed beyond partisan lines.

The UNP Deputy Leader expressed gratitude to former presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Maithripala Sirisena, as well as Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, for voicing support for Wickremesinghe despite political rivalries. While strongly defending the former President’s legacy, Wijewardene called on all parties to avoid unrest and to place “full faith in the judiciary” as the legal process continues.