President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that in this year’s presidential election, he is not asking for just “change” but for a full-scale revolution in the country. He emphasized his vision for an economic revolution, focused on building a new export-driven economy, modernizing agriculture, and creating a digital, green, and knowledge-based economy. Alongside this, he outlined plans for a social revolution, which includes implementing Aswesuma, Urumaya program, women’s empowerment, and establishing the Social Justice Commission and an anti-corruption agenda.
Additionally, the President outlined a political revolution, aiming to increase the representation of women and indigenous communities through the creation of District Development Councils and People’s Councils, all of which he plans to implement over the next five years.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the “Ranil ta Puluwan” (Ranil Can) rally in Ratnapura this afternoon (15), an event organized to affirm his support in the upcoming presidential election. The rally saw a large and enthusiastic crowd in attendance.
He noted that the United National Party (UNP) has always upheld the principle of working together during national crises, a policy he has followed based on the leadership training he received. The President also acknowledged the frustration felt by those who voted for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, but stressed that the solution is not to support the opposition symbolized by the ‘Malimawa’ (Compass), but to unite in the effort to rebuild the country. He pointed out that while former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned, the majority of the party continues to contribute to the nation’s development efforts.
Addressing the public rally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said:
Working together when the country is in crisis has always been the UNP’s core principle. I’ve been accused of being “Ranil Rajapaksa” for following these policies, but the majority of the Podujana Peramuna stood with me, while a minority, led by G.L. Peiris, went their own way. We didn’t call it “Sajith Peiris” back then; instead, we focused on the country’s well-being. I acted in accordance with the training I received from the leaders of the United National Party, and those who worked alongside me learned from that same leadership. Today, together, we have stabilized the country’s economy and created a foundation of economic stability.
Recovering a country whose economy has collapsed and that lacks foreign exchange to pay for imports is not something that can be achieved in just two years. This is why I am asking for your mandate—to continue implementing the economic program that will move the country forward and solidify the stability we’ve worked so hard to achieve.
If you are a true member of the UNP, I ask for your vote. If you choose to betray the party, then vote for Sajith Peiris. But I also invite all those who have left the UNP to return and join us once again. We worked to save the country, and for those who supported Gotabaya Rajapaksa, I understand your frustration. However, the solution is not to vote for the opposition represented by the compass. Even though Gotabhaya Rajapaksa resigned, we were able to unite the party members and stabilize the economy. Now, it’s your duty to help ensure the country’s success.
Our goal is to push the economy forward by transforming it into an export-driven one. We have laid out plans to modernize agriculture, develop tourism, create an international gem hub, and grow the gem industry. Together, we can achieve this and build a prosperous future for Sri Lanka.
We must move forward by upholding the agreements with the International Monetary Fund. The other candidates have no real plan; they are trying to win votes by promising to give everything to the people for free. This has never been possible, nor has it ever happened in history.
I was given a two-year mandate by Parliament to stabilize the economy, and now I am asking the people for a mandate to lead a revolution in this country.
I am leading this revolution to create a new economy—one that is export-driven, modernizes agriculture, and embraces digital, green, and knowledge-based industries. We are also driving a social revolution by implementing programs like Aswasuma and Urumaya, empowering women, and establishing the Social Justice Commission.
In addition, we are advancing a political revolution by implementing an anti-corruption agenda, establishing District Development Councils and People’s Assemblies (Jana Sabha), and increasing the representation of women and minorities in politics.
I ask the people for their mandate on September 21 to carry out this economic, political, and social revolution and move the country forward.
The post “I am Not Seeking a Mandate, But a Revolution for the Nation” appeared first on DailyNews.