“I have never made wrong decisions”
President Ranil Wickremesinghe remarked that finding a household that has not experienced queues in 2022 was more challenging than Kisagotami’s search for mustard seeds. He added that he took charge of a country that was sinking like the Titanic and is now steering it in the right direction, with the people on board. He emphasized that on September 21st, he will seek the people’s mandate to guide the country to victory.
Speaking at the “Ranil Can” victory rally at the Galle Samanala Stadium, which saw a large turnout, Wickremesinghe highlighted that his decisions have always been made with the nation’s future in mind, never making wrong choices. He vowed to protect the pride of the people and build a developed country.
He further elaborated during his speech at the rally;
“The people of this country endured great hardships having to stand for days in queues. Finding a home without its residents having had to experience such queues is more challenging than Kisagothami’s search for mustard seeds. I took over this country to strengthen the economy and eliminate its bankruptcy. I am proud to announce that I have now completed the final stage of this effort. I have negotiated with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the countries that provided us loans to reach an agreement on debt sustainability suitable for Sri Lanka.
Out of the 18 creditor countries, we have finalized negotiations with 17 countries and China separately. Tomorrow, we will complete the agreement with the private bondholders. With these foundational tasks accomplished, I am running for the presidential election, having fulfilled my primary responsibilities and brought the country to the point where bankruptcy is officially ended.
However, we must confirm this economic stability. Without creating a new economy, we risk collapsing again under future loans. I ask for your mandate on September 21 to support the creation of this new economy.
Political life is filled with challenges. I accepted the task of rebuilding our economy when the country was sinking like the Titanic. The ship had numerous holes, and there were no captains. I gathered those on board and steered the ship in the right direction, but we have not yet reached the port. On September 21, I urge you to help us bring the ship to port.
I have always made decisions with the future of the country in mind, even when they were difficult and unpopular. Despite the challenges, we have stabilized the economy and provided relief to the people.
Today, we have the support of foreign countries, but to move forward, we need a new economic framework. Without it, our economy risks collapsing again. The choice before us is whether we become a nation of beggars or continue to uphold the pride of the people of this country.
Sajith and Anura have claimed they will cancel existing agreements and renegotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the IMF has stated that these agreements cannot be altered. After the elections, IMF representatives will arrive to finalize these agreements. If we attempt to change them then, we risk losing their support and will see the value of the rupee plummet to 500 per dollar.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged that the economy grew under my leadership and suggested that our system is effective. If this is the case, why hand over the country to someone who admits they cannot continue the work? Anura Dissanayake’s claim that he will abandon the country if he fails in a year and a half shows he is not equipped to lead us forward. Sajith and Anura have only exacerbated the economic issues without offering solutions. Sajith Premadasa even declined to appear on a TV program to discuss his plans.
Leaders who cannot present their programs or guide the country effectively should not be entrusted with its future. Reflect on your future and ensure we do not return to past failures.
I have fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted to me, and now I invite everyone to join me in creating a new, prosperous country. Please vote for the gas cylinder on September 21 to support this vision.”
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