President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that when the country’s economy collapsed in 2022, he used his Parliamentary power to stabilize it. Now, he is seeking the people’s support to continue his efforts in the country-building revolution.
The President addressed claims made by SJS Presidential Candidate and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa who is spreading rumours that he is prepared to step down from the Presidential race. He emphasised that unlike Sajith and NPP Presidential Candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, he is not someone who will resign or run away.
He also mentioned that he would invite Premadasa to learn the lesson of perseverance, a lesson he has yet to learn.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the ‘Ranil ta Puluwan’ (Ranil Can) victory rally in Kandy yesterday (15), which was attended by a large crowd showing their support for his re-election.
While Sajith and Anura have spoken about change, the President argued that the country needs more than mere promises; it requires a practical programme. He assured the people that over the next five years he will implement an economic revolution and build a new economy.
Additionally, notable figures such as Anusha Wimalaweera, executive member of the NPP, Sisira Kumara Sembuwatta, organiser of the Kundasale Constituency for the NPP and O.K. Nawaz, the Islamic Affairs Secretary of the SJB, joined to support the President’s victory.
Addressing the victorious rally, President Wickremesinghe said:
“Two years ago, the idea of holding an election seemed almost impossible, and the people were not even thinking about voting. However, today the situation has changed, and people are seeing economic improvements. The large turnout in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Bandarawela this long weekend is a testament to the progress we’ve made. This year’s Presidential Election features 39 candidates. If any of them had stepped up to lead the government back then, my presence here might not have been necessary. As one of the main candidates, I have a long history in politics, beginning well before 1977. I worked with notable figures like J.R. Jayewardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa, Gamini Dissanayake, Lalith Athulathmudali, and Gamini Athukorala to make the United National Party (UNP) successful. I am the only one of that group still active, and thus, I bear the responsibility of safeguarding the party.
“J.R. Jayewardene negotiated with the World Bank and the IMF, initiated the Mahaweli Development Project, and made Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte the capital. President Ranasinghe Premadasa played a crucial role in rebuilding the economy after JVP terrorism. We engaged with the IMF and implemented significant industrial strategies, a noteworthy achievement in Sri Lankan history.
“I was instrumental in saving President Premadasa during his impeachment. Without my intervention, Sajith Premadasa might never have entered politics. Moreover, after President Premadasa’s death, I assumed the responsibilities of the party. During the impeachment period, I remained loyal to the party, unlike Lalith and Gamini, who left. I regret that Sajith Premadasa, the son of the former President, has betrayed his father’s policies. I question what claim he has to the United National Party.
“In the 2020 Parliamentary Elections, I warned about the economic damage the country was facing, but my concerns were dismissed. As predicted, the economy collapsed. When I took over in 2022, I sought support from all parties. Sajith did not support me; instead, he aligned himself with Dullas Alahapperuma and G.L. Peiris to pursue the Prime Minister’s position. Had Sajith requested the Prime Ministership from me, I would have been willing to offer it.
“Today, Sajith Premadasa is running against me. None of the current candidates were willing to assume government responsibility at the time when it was crucial to restore law and order and ensure the survival of the people. Why didn’t they step up then? Now, they promise everything free, but I ask why they didn’t make these promises back then.
“Anura Kumara questions why politicians have neglected the unprivileged. If there was genuine concern for the working class, why didn’t they take charge during the economic crisis? Having rebuilt the country’s economy, I am now seeking to lead it forward.
“Sajith Premadasa claims I am considering resigning from the Presidential race. They need to understand that I am not the kind of person who resigns or runs away. I urge everyone in the UNP to join me, and I invite Sajith Premadasa to come as well, so I can teach him the value of perseverance – a lesson he has yet to learn.
“I made tough decisions to keep the country going during challenging times, much like a doctor performing a critical surgery. As the economy improves, we are able to provide more relief to the people. My primary goal is to ease the burden on people’s lives by the end of 2025.
“Now Sajith and Anura Kumara are promising lower prices and concessions. However, don’t expect reductions based on their unrealistic promises. Sajith’s promises are limited to offering superficial benefits, which only increase the cost of government.
“The IMF has reviewed the election statements of all candidates and issued a statement on September 13. The IMF emphasised, “Achieving the objectives of this programme is crucial for Sri Lanka to overcome the worst crisis in its history.” They stressed the importance of maintaining these targets and continuing with the necessary reforms, regardless of who comes into power. The IMF has made it clear that the approved agreements should be upheld, and these are their directives, not mine.
“Today, Anura Kumara claims that I have failed to effectively lead and asks for a chance to do so. However, it was the JVP, not me, that brought Maithripala Sirisena to the Presidency by proposing his name. They are merely attempting to shift faces while avoiding responsibility.
“I am not focused on differentiating myself but rather on stabilising the country through Parliamentary power. I am seeking the people’s support to drive a significant transformation. Simply discussing change is insufficient; it requires a concrete plan. I assure you that within five years, we will revolutionise the country’s economy and establish a new economic framework.
“In addition, I will spearhead a social revolution through the implementation of the ‘Aswesuma’ and ‘Urumaya’ programmes. We have established the Social Justice Commission, presented an anti-corruption agenda, and formed District Development Boards and Jana Sabhas. These are substantial reforms, and I invite everyone to be part of this transformative movement.
“I call on the SLFP and SLPP to join forces with me in this revolution. I urge you all to vote for the ‘Gas Cylinder’ and grant me the mandate to lead this new direction on September 21.”
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