Disinformation is being spread to show a wave of support for one candidate – Dr. Ranga Jayakody
Through disinformation some political elements are trying to create the notion that there is a wave of support from the expatriate Sri Lankan’s for their candidate of choice, Social Activist, Award Winning Marketer and philanthropist Dr. Ranga Jayakody said.
Addressing the media he said some political elements are trying to portray that there is a wave of support from expatriate Sri Lankan’s towards one candidate at the upcoming election and false information through social media is spread to create such an impression.
He said the momentum of the current economic recovery should be sustained and for this purpose Sri Lanka needs a strong and resilient leader who can withstand challenges.
He further said, “Some are trying to show expatriate Sri Lankans will return home to cast their votes to one candidate at the upcoming election. This is to create a political surge with petty advantage. Even after a struggle, the political wave during the recent period, ended without any significant outcome and resulted in an unprecedented crisis.
Although they should not have repeated the same mistake, there are hints that they are preparing to do so again.
Our expatriate workers have done yeomen service to uplift the country’s economy. These elements with vested interest earlier told our expatriate workers during the crisis not to send money home. But our expatriate workers rejected such malicious requests.
These remittances constitute a substantial income source for many families in Sri Lanka and play a crucial role in the country’s economy. For instance, in 2021, Sri Lanka received approximately USD 5.5 billion in remittances. For the first six months of 2024 alone, it amounted to USD 3.14 billion.
The value of remittances received in the first seven months of 2024 marks a 10.3% increase. Amid the massive foreign exchange crisis Sri Lanka faced in 2022, the country entered into an extended credit facility programme with the International Monetary Fund to seek solutions, wherein approximately USD 3 billion is expected over four years. Accordingly, foreign workers have made a tremendous contribution to overcoming the economic crisis. A community that provides such unparalleled support should not be used for petty political ambitions.
Unlike other developed countries, expatriate Sri Lankans do not have the opportunity to vote in decisive elections from their host countries. This should be allowed. They should ensure that their decision contributes to building a nation.
All Sri Lankans should unite with a collective aim to bring forth a leader who is firmly grounded in the soil that suits us. Although struggles can lead to change, this is not always the case. In addition, the price that people must pay for it is not small.
The “Populist Label” expired a long time ago. Our collective hope as Sri Lankans should be to act without placing the innocent unborn children’s lives at stake, without mortgaging them for generations to come. First and foremost, instead of going with the wave, we must think twice, thrice, or even a thousand times what is right at this critical juncture. If a wrong decision is made, the entire country, and future generations will fall into an abyss”.
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