Former MP Harin Fernando officially assumed duties as the UNP’s Deputy General Secretary today (10) and outlined a series of political and organisational initiatives aimed at revitalising the party and strengthening the opposition.
Speaking to the media after taking office, Fernando announced the launch of a new educational programme titled “Let’s Learn from Ranil” (Ranilgen Igenagamu), which will begin on the first day of next month. The two-hour session, designed for young people, will allow participants to register online and pose questions directly to UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. The programme will continue on a bi-weekly basis.
Fernando said he has also been assigned to organise 1,000 meetings nationwide as part of a major outreach effort to “bring the truth to the country.” He added that the UNP aims to become Sri Lanka’s first fully digital political party by December.
A key focus of his remarks was the need to unify the opposition. Fernando stressed the importance of a political reunification between the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), saying there is growing grassroots demand for the two parties to come together irrespective of the positions held by leaders or officials. He noted that the SJB was originally formed by UNP supporters and warned that, without unity, SJB voters may shift back to the UNP. He expressed confidence that ongoing efforts led by the party’s General Secretary and Chairman would achieve a consolidated opposition platform.
Outlining his upcoming schedule, Fernando said he would remain at party headquarters on Mondays, Tuesdays, and half of Wednesdays, dedicating the rest of the week to travel across districts and provinces to strengthen the UNP’s organisational structure.
He said the UNP has historically provided pathways for ordinary citizens to rise to national leadership, citing figures such as Premadasa and Maithripala Sirisena. The party intends to educate younger generations—particularly those born after 1987—about its 70-year history and political legacy.
