President Wickremesinghe's sharp wit took center stage as he responded to concerns raised by several Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Members of Parliament regarding the recent attempt on the life of actor-turned-politician Uddika Premaratne. During the conversation, the President assured a thorough investigation into the incident, while also injecting a touch of humor by referencing Premaratne's movie role as King Dutugemunu's foe, Elara.

According to the Sunday Times political column President Wickremesinghe lightened the serious discussion by playfully asking, "What about Elara?"—a reference to Premaratne's role as a film actor where he portrayed a historic rivalry with the character Elara. While the remark elicited a few smiles, it did not diminish the gravity of the situation, as Premaratne survived an attempt on his life, raising questions about his security.

SLPP MPs had sought answers from the President during their recent meeting, expressing their concerns about the safety of their colleague, Uddika Premaratne. Notably, Premaratne is known to have no known personal enemies, making the motive behind the attack even more puzzling.

The incident has placed a spotlight on the security measures in place for politicians, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding elected officials in Sri Lanka. During the meeting, the President reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the protection of parliamentarians and ensuring their safety amid growing concerns about the safety of public figures.