There was a certain image of Ranil Wickremesinghe among the local people. In the minds of traditional followers, he was seen as a political magician who could restore the country whenever it fell into crisis.
This false image was first exposed by our friend, Comrade Nandana Weeraratne, who set fire to this illusion locally. The second exposure came yesterday on Al Jazeera TV, where the man once called ‘Mr. White’ by some was unmasked, both internally and internationally, revealing his true nature. Currently, various discussions are emerging about his interview and my aim is to analyse the subtle messages conveyed through his body language during the exchange.
In his side-by-side program with Al Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan, Ranil Wickremesinghe vehemently denied several accusations put forth by Hasan. Throughout the interview he displayed defensive body language—crossing his arms, leaning back and clenching his jaw.
These postures indicate self-defence mechanisms triggered by psychological discomfort. Particularly in a high-profile interview with a journalist of the likes of Mehdi Hasan, Ranil may have felt cornered. Defensiveness is a natural response when an individual perceives a threat to their credibility or reputation. Such confrontational questioning can be stressful, leading to involuntary defensive gestures as a way to manage internal tension.
As a former Head of State with a deep-seated hunger for power, Ranil’s ambition is to maintain authority. The televised interview setting likely made him feel a loss of control, causing him to subconsciously adopt self-protective postures. Crossing his arms, for example acted as a psychological shield, subtly signaling his rejection of the accusations and creating a barrier between himself and the interviewer.
While he may have carefully chosen his words to avoid political repercussions, his body language betrayed his internal struggle. His tendency to lean back suggested an attempt to distance himself emotionally from the accusations, as though detaching from the situation. If he were falsely accused, frustration might naturally manifest in involuntary defensive gestures. His body language reflected a combination of tension, control and a need for self-preservation in response to Hasan’s aggressive questioning and the potential political consequences.
Following the interview, Ranil held press conferences where he deflected from the subject matter raised by Al Jazeera and instead attacked the network itself. This avoidance strategy further emphasized the significance of his body language, revealing more than his carefully crafted verbal responses.
Body language as a mirror of internal stress
One of the most common defensive body language signals is an attempt to create physical distance from the source of confrontation. This reflects a subconscious need to establish a psychological boundary when under pressure.
In Ranil’s case, crossing his arms at critical moments during the interview suggested that he was either emotionally disengaged from the accusations or attempting to protect his sense of self.
Leaning back
Leaning back can signal either superiority or detachment. However, when faced with accusations, especially those perceived as unjust, it can also indicate an effort to physically distance oneself.
For someone in Ranil’s position, this gesture could signify an attempt to maintain control or a display of confidence in the face of questioning.
Jaw clenching
Jaw clenching is a classic sign of stress or frustration, particularly when someone is suppressing an impulsive reaction. This suggests that Wickremesinghe was restraining strong emotions—possibly anger or isolation—while responding to Hasan’s probing questions.
Given the context of the interview and the serious allegations against him, this gesture indicated a struggle to contain his emotional response, highlighting the pressure he felt.
Psychological dynamics
Ranil’s body language during the interview reflected his internal need to protect his image, reputation, and authority.
As a seasoned politician, his passion for governance extends beyond politics to psychological control. Facing a confrontational journalist of the likes of Mehdi Hasan, whose rapid-fire questioning style differs from the more accommodating local media, likely triggered an unfamiliar defensive reaction.
Self-protective behaviour
When individuals feel psychologically threatened, their body language often shifts to create emotional barriers. Defensive postures are subconscious attempts to regain control in an overwhelming situation.
As an experienced politician, Ranil must have been aware of the risks involved in the interview. Despite his efforts to maintain composure, his body language conveyed discomfort. Crossing his arms and clenching his jaw were clear indications of an attempt to preserve dignity under scrutiny.
Perceived loss of control
For a politician such as Wickremesinghe who has spent decades in the political arena, the sensation of losing control in an international forum can be particularly distressing. This may explain his defensive postures, as they are instinctive reactions to perceived threats to his credibility and authority.
The seriousness of the allegations raised in the interview, which implicated him personally likely heightened his fear of marginalisation.
Discrepancy between verbal and non-verbal communication
Ranil’s careful choice of words to avoid political ramifications is noteworthy, as it contrasts sharply with his body language. While he attempted to maintain composure through diplomatic language, his non-verbal cues betrayed underlying tension. This discrepancy is common when individuals experience stress—while spoken words may be controlled, subconscious body language often reveals more.
Inconsistencies in communication
Wickremesinghe’s verbal denials were likely strategic, designed to deflect responsibility and preserve his public image. However, his defensive gestures—such as retreating into closed-off postures—suggested an internal struggle with the accusations. This contrast between his words and his physical responses undermined the credibility of his statements.
Impact on the audience
When verbal and non-verbal communication does not align, audiences tend to trust body language more. Despite Wickremesinghe’s careful wording, his defensive stance may have given the impression that he felt guilty, marginalised, or threatened. His body language contributed to a less convincing defence, making it harder for viewers to fully believe his explanations.
Political consequences and public perception
Wickremesinghe’s performance in the Al Jazeera interview could have significant consequences for his political future. His defensive posture may further erode public trust, especially among his political opponents. In politics, confidence and control are crucial to maintaining support. However, his body language suggested vulnerability—an image that could prove damaging in the long run.
Risk to public trust
Political figures with a history of power, especially Wickremesinghe, are expected to project strength and decisiveness. However, his defensive demeanour in the interview may have undermined that expectation. In a political culture where leadership is equated with resilience, his perceived weakness could cost him both allies and supporters.
Media manipulation and countermeasures
Ranil’s subsequent attempts to discredit Al Jazeera—by attacking the network rather than directly addressing the allegations—suggest a desire to control the narrative. However, such media manipulation may not be entirely effective when his body language from the interview continues to be scrutinised.
His defensive gestures, combined with evasive answers, may leave the audience with the impression of a leader struggling to maintain his narrative under pressure.
Unravelling of a political image
Al Jazeera’s interview with Ranil Wickremesinghe not only showcased his verbal defence but also revealed his psychological and emotional turmoil. His body language—particularly his defensive gestures—betrayed his deep-seated struggle with the allegations and the public scrutiny he faced.
For Ranil, the interview was a defining moment where his political skills were put to the ultimate test. While he attempted to defend himself with carefully chosen words, his body language exposed internal stress and vulnerability.
As the aftermath of the interview unfolds, the contrast between his verbal denials and defensive posture will be remembered as pivotal in shaping public perception.
This moment may mark the beginning of his decline as a political figure, leaving him a disgraced figure in Sri Lankan history, devoid of noble character.
