Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Al Jazeera interview faced criticism for its harsh questioning style and hostility from the audience. Despite his vast political experience, he struggled to defend himself effectively. Concurrently, an organisation raised concerns about the appointment of retired judges to high-profile posts, questioning the implications of such roles on judicial integrity.
Last week, Al Jazeera aired an interview with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in London, which is expected to gain significant attention in Sri Lanka. Critics assert that the show’s host, Mehdi Hasan, treated Wickremesinghe unfairly, reminiscent of the BBC’s Hard Talk format. Many speculate why Wickremesinghe subjected himself to such an intense interview, described as “illagena parippu kanawa”, meaning he knowingly walked into a trap.
Despite Wickremesinghe’s extensive political experience, having first entered parliament in 1977 and served multiple terms as prime minister and leader of the opposition, his appearance drew criticism. Viewers observed that Wickremesinghe struggled to respond effectively to Hasan’s challenging questions while being in front of a hostile audience that often applauded the interviewer.
The structure of talk shows like Al Jazeera’s often favours the interviewer, leaving respondents with limited opportunities to articulate their views. This experience recalls how the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar expertly held his ground in a prior Hard Talk interview, a feat that Wickremesinghe did not replicate successfully. While flashes of his debating skills were present, the hostile environment limited their impact.
Politicians often put themselves in these challenging interview situations for various reasons: overconfidence in their ability to handle criticism or a belief that any publicity, even negative, is beneficial. Financial incentives for post-retirement speaking engagements might also play a role. Wickremesinghe’s recent interview, alongside a previous one with Deutsche Welle, did not leave him untouched by criticism as he faced significant challenges from the host.
On another note, an organisation called Justice for All recently highlighted a long-standing public concern regarding the appointment of retired judges to high-profile posts, such as diplomatic roles. The recent appointment of former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations reignited this discussion, questioning whether such roles may indicate undue influence or favours granted by politicians in exchange for judicial leniency.
While not all appointments of retired judges have been problematic—some have served admirably—there remains a public concern about potential biases in these appointments. The Justice for All group’s statement has brought attention to this issue, prompting hopes for necessary reforms in the future.
Wickremesinghe’s appearance on Al Jazeera highlighted the risks politicians face in high-pressure interviews. Despite his extensive political background, he struggled under the aggressive questioning style, raising questions about why public figures willingly enter such contests. Additionally, concerns regarding the appointment of retired judges to prestigious roles indicate a pressing need for transparency in judiciary-related appointments. Overall, the dynamics of public appearances and political appointments remain pivotal issues in Sri Lanka.
Original Source: slguardian.org