British journalist Kiran Rai interviews Minister Namal Rajapaksa

Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa

British journalist Kiran Rai who has hosted 106 major events and written in 980 leading newspapers completed a list called ‘The 500 most influential people in Asia 2020/2021,’ which had the 500 most

powerful entertainment and sports figures and five royal family members from seven different countries. 

Several Sri Lankan singers like Umaria, Bathiya and Santhush went head to head with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s son Namal Rajapaksa on extremely hard questions such as a discussion on the bombings that took place in 2019, along with entertainment, sport and tourism.

Last night Namal Rajapaksa spoke exclusively to Kiran Rai about the new plans for bringing tourism to Sri Lanka and how the British people should be encouraged to come back to the country. The interview which took place over Zoom lasted for 35 minutes.

Namal recently returned from the UAE from his Royal Family meetings and had explained that the conversations were “mutual” and that “we all agree that getting back into some normality is a must now and people should start to use social distance and carefully but governments across the world should have trust within their people on using the measures”.

The conversation also discussed how his father Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa won the war in 2009, with Namal asserting “my father is always about the people and loves his people and wants the best for Sri Lanka”.

Rai said: “I had met Mahinda Rajapaksa when he was President and the First Lady and the first thing he mentioned to me was that he loved the people, he wanted to give his best to the people and how he loved his people. That’s something people don’t know about the Prime Minister that when I secretly spoke to him, he came across as an extremely caring gentlemen who loved his people and gave me full respect.”

The conversation then discussed whether Namal would look to taking on the presidency role. Namal stated: “I am a critic of dynastic politics.”

Ralph Pereira said: “It was a great discussion with Namal, it was a discussion that made us feel more comfortable about Sri Lanka and I believe the British people will feel more secure coming back to the country.”

Namal also congratulated the NHS staff in the UK for a fantastic job on the front line and showing their strength to bring this virus to an end.

Chandra Bhatia who works on the front line in the NHS said: “I couldn’t believe Namal congratulated me and wished me support, it feels really great knowing a world leader wishes me and everyone who stands for getting rid of this terrible virus.”

Video link to the interview: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/c5e2b8f46565c400ba2707dbbac95e7220210315145809/d58d0fdb7d9348f54d2bde9c0902b3c220210315145826/be43d7