Former MP Harin Fernando claimed that women had less knowledge of politics and were easier to deceive, while saying he respected women.
“I respect women. My mother is a woman too. But I have to say that, in my view, women’s knowledge of politics is somewhat limited. Often, women are easy to deceive,” he said.
Fernando acknowledged that his remarks would attract criticism, but said he believed women’s political decisions had also contributed to the country’s current situation.
Commenting on the Government’s performance, he said it needed to demonstrate results and accused it of continuing to behave like an opposition party.
“I believe this is still the time for the Government to show what it can do. It thinks it is in the opposition. It does not think it is in government. It is performing the opposition’s role,” he said.
Fernando said women were a source of strength for the Government, adding that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had also acknowledged their support. He argued that the country could have made greater progress had the Government secured the cooperation of all sections of society.
Explaining his relative political silence in recent months, Fernando compared himself and others who had been rejected politically to weeds removed to make way for flowering plants.
“We were cleared away as weeds. Now the weeds have been removed and flowering plants have been planted, and we are waiting for them to bear fruit. We are also adding some fertilizer and waiting to see the results,” he said.
On relations between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Fernando said there was no urgency to unite with the SJB.
He said the two were separate parties and, despite similarities in some policies, the UNP needed to build its own identity. He added that a new islandwide program was planned in conjunction with the party’s 80th anniversary.
“Instead of joining up with the SJB, I would prefer to maintain the UNP’s organization separately. If Mr. Ranil hands us that responsibility, we can show what we can do,” he said.
Fernando also credited former President Ranil Wickremesinghe with introducing the Metro bus initiative.
“The Metro bus service was also introduced by Ranil Wickremesinghe. It is good. I am pleased with the Government, but progress is too slow,” he said.
Fernando said he remained on friendly terms with Wickremesinghe and that discussions between them were continuing. He added that he believed Wickremesinghe might have become disillusioned by certain recent events.
