Wickremesinghe credits Jayewardene's reforms as transformative for Sri Lanka

Wickremesinghe, who also leads the United National Party (UNP), highlighted Jayewardene's extended presidency as a watershed moment in Sri Lanka's post-independence history. The former head of state characterized the period as revolutionary in scope, suggesting it fundamentally altered the country's trajectory across multiple sectors.

Jayewardene, who served as Sri Lanka's first executive president, implemented wide-ranging constitutional and policy reforms during his time in office. His tenure witnessed significant changes to the nation's governance structure and economic framework, establishing precedents that would influence subsequent administrations.

Wickremesinghe's remarks reflect the UNP's continued emphasis on its historical role in shaping modern Sri Lanka. The party has long positioned itself as the custodian of reformist traditions, tracing its ideological lineage through key figures in the nation's political evolution.

The assessment comes as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with ongoing economic and political challenges, prompting renewed examination of earlier periods of state transformation and their contemporary relevance.