Ranil Wickremesinghe | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union

SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: / theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
Website: www.oxford-union.org/
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is one of Sri Lanka's most decorated politicians. Previously Sri Lanka's youngest ever cabinet minister, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Prime Minister for the first time in 1993. To date he has served as the nation's Prime Minister for three non-concurrent terms, most recently since 2015.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@kavindugunathilake6857]

now it's feel like we missed something great.

[@Random-qi3vv]

We did. Sls a shithole now.

[@tharukagovinda3188]

@@Random-qi3vv Yeh. and t's quite sad. I think his speech was the most eloquent I've heard a politician speak in the last 10 years. And that says something.

[@sihasnesh2016]

Though he's a great academic he had so many flaws with leadership. There must be a reason why he lost many elections. For example, he couldn't keep his party united and led it down the road thanks to SP

[@kavindugunathilake6857]

@Noh Rashe regrets!!! how quick i changed my mind.. lmao🤣

[@omen7872]

Bruh

[@ranilpeiris1929]

He is highly respected and recognized by the World community as a capable and democratic leader

[@deshanvihanga8693]

😄😄

[@bhagyaherath5589]

@@deshanvihanga8693 this didn't age well.😂😂

[@nipuna7876]

Impotent leader couldnt do anything

[@omen7872]

Labba

[@Silva768-z3t]

He saved the sri lanka from bankruptcy

[@deesticco1719]

Great knowledgable Answers by Ranil to the questions!

[@gayansamarasekara]

Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe, is the most valuable Sri Lankan leader of all time since the independence. The attention given by him on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, is exactly what the country needs to attract the foreign investments and to motivate the local businesses, thereby making Sri Lanka a better place in terms of socioeconomic advancement. We think the Easter attacks that drove the sentiments of the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka against the Ranil Wickramasinghe's government were the reasons behind the recent defeat in the presidential polls, however such attacks of that nature could happen anywhere in the world, irrespective of how excellent the security system is. Sri Lanka, in fact, did a great job cracking down all the criminals connected to the Easter attacks and eradicating all of the rest of the planned attacks within less than 2 weeks of the incidence. Still it draws significant concern as far as the level of spread of the terrorist network within the country is concerned. His government was overthrown by the political opponents of Sri Lanka, and we credit them on their skill of grabbing the power back to them. However it will do absolutely no good for the country in terms of economic progress. We hope the people of Sri Lanka will soon again realize the importance of the proper capitalist economic strategies, and bring the UNP back to power. Best Wishes, Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe, on the upcoming elections.

[@manikeherath5479]

Totally agree. Sri Lankan are unfortunate to get the maximum advantage of a knowledgably person like RW they saw only his weaknesses.

[@kaushiperera7827]

Wow proud to be srilanka🇱🇰

[@ashinvihari9730]

This sort of a speech cannot be given by a person with ordinary knowledge. This is full of information and facts. It is so pathetic that these types of talks are not subtitled in Sinhalese. Just think how much a person can learn by just listening to this sort of a speech. Sri Lankans are so unfortunate not to listen these master-class speeches given by one of their politicians despite whatever flaws he possesses in his character. The educated world knows the value of an educated man. In the end, knowledge is knowledge and character is character. People are unable to distinguish them so we miss the best of a man. It seems like, in countries like Sri Lanka people value racial values and religious believes over knowledge, though, in fact, the moral levels of the SL society have greatly deteriorated. In my opinion, generally knowledge would make a man a better human ( though there are exceptions). That is why from the very past of the human civilization children are tutored. This applies even to a teaching like Buddhism. So we need to have more sources of knowledge, for that we have to promote the significance of educated men and women over racists and nationalists.

[@manikeherath5479]

Totally agree. Sri Lankan are unfortunate to get the advantage of a persona like RW they saw only his weaknesses.

[@janitha001]

ලංකාව හදන්න බෑ

[@tinkerbella1595]

Chill, this man is complicit in genocide and continuation of oppression of minority groups. Absolutely no need to praise him.

[@ranilpeiris1929]

His opponents actually admire him in secret. They know his capabilities. He is criticized due to their thurst for power

[@tinkerbella1595]

@@ranilpeiris1929 I am an opponent, and trust me, I do not admire him.

[@toshanmadugalle4798]

Rt Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe is a well-educated politician in Sri Lanka. But unfortunately, he failed in his political carrier in Sri Lanka in 2019 due to the easter bomb attack, because he failed to prevent it. But when he was the prime minister of Sri Lanka, the economy of Sri Lanka was well stabled and he manages to continue Sri Lankan foreign affairs well.

[@eranjeneabeysinghe8100]

Ranil is an ace! He failed to attract the rural masses of SL that's the problem.. But he's the most capable, solid and educated leader in SL.. his vision is beyond doubt, better than any other politician in SL.

[@toshanmadugalle4798]

@@eranjeneabeysinghe8100 exactly!

[@kjpasilva1507]

He is Sri Lanka's best potential for successful leadership. After JR Jayewardene, he is best politician who could have developed this Country while uniting the people and strengthening democracy.

[@mohammedfazrin1104]

@gautha pandith Idiots Spreading Lankan Hatred Media Propaganda International Community Does not Give Hear to Ur Media Propaganda Lies against RW

[@mohammedfazrin1104]

@gautha pandith Typical Lankan Ignorant Hatred Mindset U BS Can Keep on Spreading Media Mudslinging Propaganda Lies against RW that's all u know

[@Panini_Edirisinhe]

Democracy? You may have meant that a year ago. What does it feel like today? Actually, I won't be surprised if you still approve of this fellow. 95% probably are sick of him. Unfortunately, there probably are 5% who are rich and English speaking (and have contempt for the Swabasha educated), who like the current set up, and deliberately ignore the fact that Rani has now become a Tyrant. He has to be deposed. I'd like to see it being the result of electoral defeat, and not violence. However, given the way he is behaving now, that looks unlikely. Dear KHPA Silva; I'd like to discuss this with you. My name is authentic, and I live in Bandarawela. Also, I'm a few months older than Ranil.

[@ranimukarjee8037]

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader

[@Nondiya]

Ranil has his own weaknesses as a normal human. But they are not as bad as the current media claims. However, Ranil is the only competent and capable politician in Sri Lanka. There is a big noise against Ranil, but the people who rattle the society against Ranil are not worth a millionth of Ranil’s character.

[@ranilpeiris1929]

Intelligent and wise people know his value.

[@hiramyawikramasinghe8330]

Absolutely correct!

[@sihasnesh2016]

Absolutely. MR even respects Ranil and hes never really publicly shamed him unlike the past acquaintances of his same party do

[@irushisansala1236]

That's write

[@sachintharandil7729]

well he is back

[@kasunwijesinghe5819]

What a great man..

[@janithpathirana3320]

we always underestimate him , but now he has power to do . We hope he do best

[@riansboits8510]

Knowledge ❤

[@arjundesilva-universityofk7668]

Ranil Wickramasinghe is an intellect. Politicians are practical jokers and idiots, in Sri Lanka. Wrong man in a wrong profession.

[@hansad.k6273]

Well today he swore in as the eight executive president of Sri Lanka, soon things will become better, hopefully.

[@Silva768-z3t]

He is doing a good job as a president unless no more sri lanka

[@kavirooenterprises9386]

This is our president. Cheers!

[@Astrologicalpathway999]

Respect you Sir. 🇱🇰❤️💚🇱🇰❤️💚🇱🇰❤️💚🇱🇰❤️💚

[@ManojJinadasa]

informative talk. salute

[@nishanthaherath5307]

Good speak

[@chithralperera8762]

Respect you sir

[@adiyagama]

The Problem with him as Mangala Samaraweera rightly pointed out is, he doesn't look people in the eye. He ignores them and walk away. This is how he was brought up. He would have played a bigger role in Sri Lankan politics if he was people friendly

[@kumaraenterprises7972]

අද පාර්ලිමේන්තුවේ ඉන්න රට පාලනය කිරීමට සුදුසුම පුද්ගලයා ලෙස හඳුන්වන්න පුළුවන්

[@pasinduXxx]

Ye

[@banda1855]

Yes indeed.

[@gangarannayakage1128]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@chamindaperera3149]

@gautha pandith ඔබ සිහි බුද්ධියෙන්ද කතා කරන්නේ ? මම හිතන්නෙ ඔබ කියන්නේ රාජපක්ෂ ගැන විය යුතුයි

[@iamwhoiam798]

හරිනෙ. දැන් එයා තමයි ඉන්නෙ. සුදුස්සා ආපි සුදුසු තැනට. හැබැයි ගෝට-රනිල් එකතුවෙච්ච පාලනය දිගටම තිබුනනම් සෑහෙන සාර්ථක වෙන්න තිබ්බ ඒ වන විට අනෙක් රාජපක්ෂල එලවල තිබිච්ච නිසා. “අරගල ගොන්නු” ගෝටව එලවල දැම්මෙ හරියට උන් දන්නව වගේ රට කරන විදිය.

[@ChamikaDilshan]

only the Leader with a vision and a plan who can drive the country through this challenging time

[@Speak_The_Truth_33]

Diverse knowledge in a lot of fields. Truly an honour to have you as our president ❤

[@Udayana_Senanayake]

Arguably the most educated leadership of Sri-Lanka. However his vision is seldom understood by the small minded masses.

[@sandaruwanruwan753]

He is very intelligent but he cant do attractions peoples heart, he has a sound knowledge

[@tonycorso4790]

Ranil ,do not allow to go down the quality of the party, if sajith comes, I'll vote the j,v,p,

[@lbcthinkingoutloud3427]

Great choice. We will be voting for sajith not because he is perfect. But at least he might do something for the ordinary people in our country.

[@ghauramahabaduge9746]

U seems like just a person who votes by cast.

[@Silva768-z3t]

Jvp only boasting

[@amiladanushka8663]

Sri Lankans great people

[@Silva768-z3t]

His knowledge ❤

[@nawarathnamudiyanselagecha574]

People's are January you specially srilanka

[@AniruddhaGogoi-q6s]

Ranil is a very good president of Sri Lanka. He is my excellent friend by letters.

[@user-zt4mf1vg9i]

🙏🏼🇱🇰

[@Silva768-z3t]

politically failed ...but onlyVisionary leader in present sri lankan politics

[@RangaNayanajithSilva]

Pragmatic issues .

[@Silva768-z3t]

Politically also he passed .....but our people cant understand his capabilities

[@aritvfm5492]

A good society

[@lekaherath9774]

Sri Why people didn't let you come in to power ?

[@toshanmadugalle4798]

Because there was an easter, Sunday attack in 2019 which was done by a political party in Sri Lanka and he didn't manage to prevent it.

[@sabalankatours604]

Unfortunity of Sri Lankans.

[@Omy_Per]

Because majority of Srilankan’s don’t understand politics.

[@manikeherath5479]

they love peopke with mustach and no brain

[@MrLive2love]

Seems like 21st century belongs to Asia.

[@LovemeAquarius]

his gay was thrown from his position yesterday )) He is a western puppet in my country. Thats why he appears in Oxford union etc often and appear like god damn intellectual )) He is a dumb fuck...

[@Pan1c]

L Bandara les go man someone who understands

[@tiharads3979]

@@LovemeAquarius such an idiot you are.Don't you measure this man's speech HERE from his past and present political movements.. unequivocally this man's a top notch genius in terms of education even whatever he has dealt with politics.learn to compliment a man when needed!

[@Silva768-z3t]

Most valuable sri lankan politician at the moment

[@sahangunawardana4859]

Hard to follow this speech without english subtitles .

[@Panini_Edirisinhe]

Absolutely, Sahan! His English, per se, is acceptable, but his delivery is terrible. The stress patterns are all wrong. However, look at all those comments. Many Sri Lankans imagine that Ranil is a highly respected World statesman, and a great intellectual. Non-English speaking Lankans imagine that one of Ranil's main assets is his excellent English. Bunkum, of course, although his wife (a Professor of English) has good English,

[@nowherenotion7991]

@@Panini_Edirisinhe well i find his English better than most of them and his QnA's are on spot.

[@manikeherath5479]

I think it's because of birth defect cause this speech problem, I heard from others many years ago.

[@TheHattie10]

When will jo malone be up?

[@judesoysa9739]

Sir your really great person .and no one else intelligent like u and madam all so. We love u so much....

[@user-wu3eg9co4i]

Dear Sir, Don't let this country controlled by these thugs...you are the person who could stear this country towards success...with discipline, law & order...What every descent citizen of this country needs is economic growth. Let people live ...reduce prices of everything...punish the culprits....you will be the everlasting leader.

[@lbcthinkingoutloud3427]

Ranil needs a vision to develop Sri Lanka than engage in international political analysis.

[@lbcthinkingoutloud3427]

@gautha pandith 😝😝 very true

[@dinmad8402]

5x11

[@dilshanjeff9137]

6th time became the vice president of sri lanka

[@1xsoofi]

Looks like brother sadiq khan

[@heshanperera1581]

31:45 Typical Sri Lankan humor. Would’ve been a hit here.

[@Panini_Edirisinhe]

What Kali Arular has said 7 months ago, has become even more horrible and ironic today. I do agree with this Ranil W. on one thing. He has carried meanness and malevolence so far that Shakespearean parallels are called for. And yet, he manages to gull many a Sri Lankan, none worse than a man who calls himself leelagemalli, but is Dan Silva in real life, and lives in Dusseldorf, Germany. One of the most twisted individuals whom you will find anywhere. I was the first reader on a site whom he first "befriended", and he has exchanged more than two thousand emails with me. Yes, it's amazing how one has to reach back to Sophocles and Shakespeare to think of villains to equal Ranil and Dan Silva (originally of Galle; educated at Mahinda College, and the University of Peradeniya). amazing, but also appalling.

[@hemapalaherath3166]

t

[@dinmad8402]

r

[@tharukajayasinghe7958]

please read batalanda commission report...#murderer

[@creativesource3514]

Yes he is educated and illectual. Do why does he protect the Rajapakse family?

[@abdulhakeem91]

You had 4 years to solve LASANTHA’s MURDER

[@user-kn9tr5lu2p]

Omowokolfobaipl 7:11

[@user-kn9tr5lu2p]

Omgokololnoloko 1:41

[@thumpanekolla2661]

Who the f#$% is shouting outside.

[@user-nw3jf2zm4s]

Srokoukokjokokok

[@shanmugamknativeindian2567]

So, SL Army displaced these 60℅ out of their native habitation.

[@tweety9003]

Ranil is product of British hypocrisy as a historian he cannot better heredotus as a classical scholar he has failed to do anything to salvage Sri Lankan politics for as is our economy is bankrupt and as is it will not surprise me if we become subject Indian debt trap incredible considering India is indebtedness Multipolar in a monopolar world cannot he resolved at Oxford decates

[@DanceAddictsLondon]

What's his point? Just stating historic fact after historic fact.... Almost like a lecture on basic history.

[@joepaiva2268]

29 July 2022. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka by default. No legitimacy nor by popularity in your motherland. You publicly speak of democracy and freedom of speech. As a bastion of both. You are a chamilion, power drunk. An Oppressor. A violator of human rights. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinhhe do you remember AGARALAYA and how you brutally crushed them by use of the armed Security Forces. You speak with passion about Chinese Port Hambantota and the International airport ( a white elephant) with the vested Interests of corrupt Rajapakse family. Your long time close friends. You are in bed with Mahinda & Gota Rajapakse. You are an astute opportunist. Who vested the position of Prime Minister on your shoulders. Subsequently the position of President. You are the reincarnation of the Oppressors Mahinda and Gota Rajapakse. Shame on you Ranil regarding the LTTE. You are a liar.

[@Silva768-z3t]

He saved the sri lankan ....parliament of sri lanka selected him as a president ....

[@radolfrj7136]

I 'm achild girl? Why srilanka unknown man put sound in my ears block my opertuniyy guest man works experiense man Keesli periperis, pablis silva, dushanthi madugalla, dushman weeraman onlyfear rich boy foregner perposal i don't know he know everything Himasha haanthika

[@shanmugamknativeindian2567]

He act like a gentle man and lying to outside world on Genocide of Tamils even after 12 years after end of final war, gives lame execuses for deliverying justice and resettlement if Tamils in their owned land properties which are now being occupied by Racist Army and doing commercial cultivation activities. Is there any other army doing like this.

[@dreezone]

Can you explain where exactly the commercial cultivations are done?

[@samithnilanga9943]

60 percent of the Sri Lankan Tamils live out side the north and east of Sri Lanka. After a 30 year conflict now they enjoy their democracy. There is no forcible occupations as you mentioned. It is your tamilnadu fishermen that rob the fishing harvest of the Sri Lankan tamils who live in northen Srilanka.

[@jacobtna4072]

I am sinhalese and ranil is the only one who wanted to give peace to tamil and have deplomacy correctly..

[@RangaNayanajithSilva]

Yes . Indian Peace Keeping Army which lead the peaceful nation in to a scrambled land that benifits the neighborhood autocracy opportunist . Even today those consequences are ghosting in the sovereign nation . In a country there would be only one national army. Paramilitary groups should stand with their grounds under political discussion about their issues intellectually . If you are not a Srilankan please stop giggling about war in an unknown soil. Or if you have never seen the war in real life situation , just stick in to your bollywood/kollywood /hollywood fantasies instead presentation of outlookers opinion . War made nothing but lost of a youth who born to live and develop their motherland whether Tamil, Sinhalese or Muslims . Natives who suffered with war knows the reality.

[@dishanmadhuranga8032]

This man has the knowledge but not a practical politician.He has destroy his party by staying leader position illegally without giving new comers. He misused the power as vp to bring his gay lovers to parliament. This was a huge disaster for democracy of Sri Lanka.He has knowledge but no brain or balls to do something valuable for our countries future.

[@ensys1000]

This is all bullshit. There is nothing illegal about his position in the party, and that he destroyed the party is a malicious lie. UNP's top leadership layer was dessimated by LTTE terrorists. The party is still going through that trauma. It is Ranil who held it together.

[@lbcthinkingoutloud3427]

Yes he destroyed the party country and the rest .some say he is educated this is the biggest joke of the century. He has gained some education and be able to speak English. This is not something unique.

[@lorenpual372]

@@lbcthinkingoutloud3427 It was Ranil who introduced: GCE A Level/O Level to Sri Lanka cluster schools Technical colleges (Vidya Peeta) free trade zones computer technology Internet technology in 1993 (IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW!!) Training Institutes like Automobile Engineering Training Institute Sri Lanka Army's National Guard and LRRP Youth Services Council Garment Factories Recovered the 1999 recession As Prime Minister in 2015 - gave suraksha , gsp+, tyre factory , etc and many more ... It is important to see things in a balanced mindset. Each person should get due credit!

[@lbcthinkingoutloud3427]

@@lorenpual372 all that is great . When I went to school he was pm. I’ have finished my education and working now . He was still pm 2019. Still unp leader. Don’t you think that it is time for everyone to move out when time comes. He has been in politics nearly 40 years and should have done more . You know Pm of Singapore changed the country in 30 years . For your information I was an ardent supporter of ranil up until 2015 . I’m totally disappointed with rajapakse lot and in no way think that sajith has got what it takes to be a leader. Ranil was in the same cabinet as Lalith, gamini and we know how capable and unique those two individuals for our country. Them being cabinet ministers had done things such as gigantic mahavali and mahapola among other things. Ranil should have left years ago . He should not have waited until people rejected him so badly. He loss whatever dignity he had . Now he is again the new leader of the Unp. I cannot simply comprehend this man and his plan if he has any .

[@lorenpual372]

@@lbcthinkingoutloud3427 Yes I agree with your point. But the question his is there anyone (political party leader) who can replace his intellect (out of the current corrupted lot)? The reason he continues to fail is because he lacks people skills. Besides each time he became PM, the executive president blocked his efforts becuase he/she was from opposite party whereas the Prime Minister post in Singapore is an executive post. So Lee Quan Yu had ample time and power to develop the country. Atleast I think Ranil is the least worse out of the worst hehe.

[@milindasamarakoon2026]

Who the hell let him to speak to these educated students

[@nipuna7876]

This man took 12.5 billion usd s of ISBs during 2015-19 Downed economic growth from 5% to 2% He was impotent couldnt do anything to stop the terrorist attack in 2019 A murderer during 1988-90 who ran a torture house in Batalanda srilanka Better know the man before you hear the man

[@manikeherath5479]

When he leaes the offive there were 7.6 billion and 13n tons of gold left in the treasury after paying 80% of high interest rate and short terms loans taken by previous regime. Within two years gota loss all those money and banckrupted the country. After taking gis office Ranil has saved 3.4 billios again

[@thilinaranasinghe3322]

Ranil kiyanne ga wesige puthek .U samanal wesiyek

[@thoughts1624]

No backbone.

[@Silva768-z3t]

අනුර කයිය ට ඡන්දය දෙන්න

[@praxd9778]

Experienced veteran!