UNP prepares for new generation leadership

The United National Party (UNP) is readying for a transition to new leadership capable of embracing "Smart Politics," according to party leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘SMART UNP’ digital program at the party headquarters, Sirikotha, he emphasized that the time has come to hand over the reins to the "Zen Beta" generation—those born after the conclusion of the civil war.

The former President noted that while past leaders like D.S. Senanayake and J.R. Jayewardene prepared the nation for the Baby Boomer and Millennial generations respectively, his current responsibility is to equip the party for a tech-driven future.

To support this transition, the party will introduce new roles such as "Digital Administrators" and "Digital Organisers" and explore modern technologies like Virtual Reality to stay politically relevant.

He further highlighted the need for leadership that can navigate a complex global landscape, citing the influence of a "Trump world," China’s dominance, and India’s rise as a superpower.

As part of the ‘SMART UNP’ initiative, Sirikotha has been equipped with Starlink high-speed internet, and the party plans to issue digital membership cards to its followers.