Ranatunga says politicians use cricketers for campaigns, comments on Muralitharan’s choice

July 27, 2020 at 6:01 PM

Former Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup-winning captain, UNP candidate Arjuna Ranatunga says politicians use cricketers only for the benefit of their election campaigns.

The former Parliamentarian mentioned this when commenting on Sri Lanka bowling legend Muttiah Muralitharan’s recent public backing of Leader of the National Freedom Front Wimal Weerawansa for the 05 August General Election.

In an interview with Easwaran Rutnam from the DailyMirror Arjuna Ranatunga said that everyone has the right to express their views and maybe Muralitharan believes Weerawansa is the right candidate to back.

“I am sure Muralitharan will realize the gravity of his decision. Knowing Muralitharan, it is very difficult to get him onto a political stage”, he said.

The former Minister further said that he has never used any cricketers for his political campaigns as they are national treasurers, adding that he regularly discourages cricketers who have expressed their willingness to address his political campaigns.

“I was loved by many when I was with the Sri Lanka Freedom Par (SLFP) and was hated by those in the United National Party (UNP). Now people in the UNP love me and those in SLFP hate me. Muralitharan was loved by all in this country. Sadly now he is disliked by some people’, he said.

Ranatunga said he has no issues with Muttiah Muralitharan getting involved in politics, but questioned as to why he appeared on a political stage.

When commenting on if sports personalities should get involved in politics, the former Minister said politicians use sportsmen and women for their political benefits.

The sports personalities and even artists are only recognised and used for elections, they are later forgotten by the same politicians, he added. (Newswire)