CNN’s famous business correspondent Richard Quest leans as Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stresses a point during their witty and entertaining Q&A session yesterday at the Cinnamon’s Future of Tourism Summit in Colombo – Pix by Lasantha Kumara

UNP Leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe wasn’t spared of political volleys from CNN’s foremost international business correspondent Richard Quest yesterday at the Cinnamon’s Future of Tourism Summit’s enthralling Q&A session.

Quest kicked off with what is probably the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) from Wickremesinghe and politically savvy Lankans – Who will be UNP’s presidential candidate? The PM responded simply with an emphatic “no”, triggering laughter among Summit participants as he said: “Let’s move on.”

The preserving Quest ended the Q&A repeating the same question, “Are you sure you won’t tell me who is your presidential candidate is?” for which an equally witty Wickremesinghe said: “I am a bit frightened because every politician wants the top job and all have gotten frightened and all 225 must be thrown out.”

A participant said certain sections of the Q&A resembled the two characters of the famous old BBC comedy the ‘Two Ronnies’.

PM backs decisive private sector role in future of tourism

Richard points to possible post-retirement job for Ranil