United National Party (UNP) Chairman Wajira Abeywardena said that dissolving Parliament would be the most appropriate course of action at present, arguing that the country cannot move forward under the current circumstances.

Addressing the media on 15 March, Abeywardena made the remarks when responding to questions from journalists.

When asked why the Opposition was not exerting pressure on the Government to hold Provincial Council elections, noting that the councils had remained dissolved for a long period, Abeywardena said that dissolving Parliament would be more suitable.

“I think it would be better to dissolve Parliament, wouldn’t it? Because the country cannot move forward like this,” he said.

Responding to another question regarding the escalating global conflict and its possible impact on Sri Lanka, Abeywardena said that those governing a country must possess a clear understanding of global developments.

“The Sri Lankan public should understand that those who govern a country must have knowledge about what is happening in the world. They should know what the Trump administration is doing, what Russia is doing, and what our neighbouring country India is doing,” he said.

He added that planning for such global crises cannot be done after they arise, noting that preparations should have been made earlier.

“When planning begins after a crisis has already emerged, the public has already been placed under pressure. These matters should have been addressed in 2025. We must examine whether the Government participated in the BRICS summit, whether the necessary decisions were taken there, and whether Sri Lanka’s interests were properly presented,” he said.

Abeywardena stressed that foreign policy was crucial for any country and that it should be formulated before crises emerge.

“When such problems arise, it is too late to think about foreign policy. Foreign policy must be considered beforehand. For that, the country needs a leader with experience and foresight,” he said.

He added that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had demonstrated such foresight but that the public had ultimately rejected his leadership.

“Ranil Wickremesinghe had that vision and long-term outlook as a state leader, but in the end the people asked him to stay at home. Now managing these developments has become extremely difficult, and the public will have to face the consequences,” he said.