He noted that two years ago, no one would have believed that he would be able to stand on a platform today and announce that public sector wages had been increased, emphasizing that he consistently fulfills his promises, unlike other leaders who merely make promises on stage.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while addressing the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally held in the Pelmadulla area yesterday (3). A large crowd attended this public event, organized to endorse President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory in the upcoming Presidential Election.
In his speech, President Wickremesinghe further asserted that Sajith Premadasa cannot win the upcoming Presidential Election. He compared the opposition’s actions to the play “Maname,” suggesting that they are handing over the victory to Anura Kumara Dissanayake and he urged members of the United National Party (UNP) not to let this happen.
Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented, stating: “Today, I received the report on the salary increases for the public sector. I came to this stage to fulfil a promise, not to make new ones. Our promises have been fulfilled, and the results speak for themselves. That’s why I’m asking the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led NPP to remove the relevant statements from their policy documents.
“When we took over the country two years ago, no one believed we would be able to stand here today and announce an increase in public sector salaries. On that day, my team courageously accepted this challenge alongside me. Members from various parties joined forces with us. We had to make difficult decisions to stabilise the country’s economy and protect the rupee. Had we not taken those steps, we would be in a much worse situation today, similar to what Greece faced.
“We implemented the 2023 relief programme to provide support to the people, and in 2024, we increased allowances for government employees to help them better cope with the cost of living.
Our efforts do not stop here. We need to boost the gross domestic product (GDP) and further strengthen the economy. In the upcoming presidential election, I am seeking a mandate to take these next steps toward a secure future. Ensuring the economic stability of our country is crucial. “Although we have been implementing this programme for the past two years, the country’s economic stability has not yet been fully established, and there is still a risk of economic collapse. Therefore, we can only move forward through a structured and formal plan.
We have also discussed initiatives to strengthen the gem industry, aiming to restore Sri Lanka’s position in the global market for gemstones. Additionally, we are developing a programme to enhance the welfare of miners and ensure their protection. These efforts, along with our agricultural modernisation program, are designed to drive these activities forward with strength and determination.
“Through these various initiatives, we are creating a new economic framework for the country and working towards broad social change. Currently, 25% of our population falls into the low-income category, and many people lack access to health and education services despite having some income. We are committed to a revolution that provides quality education, healthcare, and increased income opportunities for these groups, integrating them into society. It is essential to affirm the rights of women, who make up the majority of our population. We have passed the Women’s Empowerment Act for the first time, which provides women the opportunity to assert their rights. A separate office will now be established in every police station to report violence against women; an initiative that no other party is even discussing.
Furthermore, we are working towards establishing a Social Justice Commission to address issues of marginalisation due to caste and lack of social acceptance. This commission will be a critical step towards transforming society. Simultaneously, we are committed to reforming the political system.
“While others merely talk about corruption, we take action against it. We have developed some of the best anti-corruption laws in the world and have passed the Anti-Corruption Act. More draft laws are in the pipeline. Talking about corruption alone is meaningless; there must be a structured programme to tackle it, and I am the only one with such a programme.
Although some claim they will catch thieves, effective institutions are necessary to do so. We are strengthening these institutions. This is not the work of politicians; it is the work of the courts. Our role is to empower these institutions so that they can do their job. It is the responsibility of the judiciary to enforce punishment, and as politicians, we cannot interfere with that process. Otherwise, it would be like the judgement Major Mallika gave when the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was taken to court at Uragas Manhandiya. I have no intention of playing Major Mallika’s role.
“We are also working on creating a new system that includes a second legislative body, which increases the representation of youth and women by establishing a People’s Assembly (Jana Sabha), reform the voting system, and regulate the behaviour of parliamentarians. I want to emphasise that we are committed to making these substantial changes.
While others engage in rhetoric, meaningful economic, social, and political change can only be achieved through the Puluwan Sri Lanka programme.
“Today, I want to tell members of the United National Party (UNP) that our policies closely align with the true principles of the UNP. We proceed based on these principles, and therefore, you should cast your vote in favour of advancing these policies.
Sajith Premadasa cannot win. A vote for Sajith will only serve to strengthen Anura Kumara Dissanayake. What they are effectively doing is extending a hand to Anura Kumara, much like the character of Maname Kumari. I urge them to refrain from doing so.”
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi; Pelmadulla proudly reflects on its participation in one of the most successful and historic rallies in political history. Despite the challenges, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us in this gathering, demonstrating remarkable intelligence and political awareness. The enthusiasm and courage shown by everyone were truly inspiring.
Today, we stand united with the goal of further stabilising our country and preventing any return to instability.
“In that historic election, 39 members of the JVP were elected to Parliament with your support. Alongside Anura Kumara, Lal Kantha, Chandrasena Wijesinghe, and Vijitha Herath, I had served in the Cabinet. In Ratnapura, after me, Achala Jagoda from the JVP received the highest number of votes. In several other districts, JVP candidates were elected to Parliament with significant majorities, second only to former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena and late Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
“But have those who formed governments with us actually accomplished anything? Anura Kumara Dissanayake spent a lot of money on posters promising to build 1,000 tanks as the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. But did they even construct a single anicut for the Ratnapura district? If anyone asks what we’ve been doing here, just tell them to look around. You’ll see roads have been built, electricity and water have been provided, schools have been constructed, and hospitals have been established.
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