Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member Milinda Rajapaksha praised MP Prasanna Ranaweera, describing him as a politician with the capacity to execute ambitious national projects and generate international economic value.

Addressing a meeting in Kiribathgoda, Rajapaksha recalled first encountering Ranaweera during the 2020 parliamentary election period, noting that he had immediately recognised him as a highly capable political figure.

Rajapaksha said he believed Ranaweera possessed the type of drive and initiative that could transform Sri Lanka’s agricultural output into export-scale industries, stating that if instructed, “he would cultivate chilli across the country and export chilli powder to the entire world.”

He added that his respect for Ranaweera had increased further during what he termed a difficult political period for the country. Rajapaksha also said he hoped to speak at an election rally for Ranaweera should he decide to seek re-election.

During the 2018 constitutional crisis, Ranaweera was involved in unruly behaviour inside the Sri Lankan Parliament. Video footage from that period showed him throwing water mixed with chilli powder and objects and engaging in scuffles with police officers inside the chamber, prompting an inquiry by the Parliamentary Privileges Committee into disciplinary breaches during sessions of intense political conflict.