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President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that the issues in the North cannot be limited to just political problems but also require development. If development does not take place, the North will fall behind while other provinces move forward. He emphasized that his leadership will address both the political and developmental challenges in the North.
The President reiterated that his policy statement includes strengthening provincial councils and delegating more powers to them. He also mentioned that, under the framework of nine provincial administrations, development plans will be accelerated to assist the central government.
Additionally, the President said that a National Land Commission and a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will be established. Following the recommendations of the "Navas Commission," he pledged to fully resolve the issue of the disappeared within the next five years.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks this morning (14th) while addressing the victorious "Ranil ta Puluwan" rally at the Muttuweli Grounds in Jaffna.
A massive crowd attended the rally, which was organized to confirm the President’s victory in the upcoming Presidential Election.
Recalling how former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara led a major movement in the South against the Provincial Councils and various promises were made to the people of Jaffna today. There must be a commitment to ensure these promises are fulfilled.
He also reflected on the recent economic crisis when Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities had lost hope and had no clear vision for the future. He reminded the audience that he provided a vision for the future through the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" plan, which has since opened doors for the country’s economic recovery.
The President referred to a statement issued by the IMF yesterday, warning that if the government does not continue the program it started with the IMF, the economy could collapse again. He stressed that it is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard and advance the recovery plan.
President Wickremesinghe further stated that if this plan continues for another three years, no one will be able to destroy the country’s economy. He affirmed his commitment to developing the North and pointed out that neither Sajith Premadasa nor Anura Kumara has a solution for the region’s needs.
"I have always come to Jaffna whenever given the opportunity, including during elections. Now, other candidates are also visiting Jaffna, but they only come during election time. However, I have always made a point to visit regularly, which is why I am in a position to come here and ask for your vote.
Since 1978, I have been involved in election activities in this region. Today, I am here not just to seek votes, but for the future of the country.
I stepped forward to address the issue of food shortages that affected Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities across the country. I also took action to resolve problems related to shortages of gas, fuel, medicine, and fertilizer. At a time when there was no hope and no clear future, I came forward to give people hope and to show them a path forward.
Now, the doors to the country’s economy have been opened, and people once again have opportunities to live. However, the ease of living is not yet back to the level it was in 2019. We must restore the economy to that level. The stability we have achieved can still be lost. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a statement yesterday, highlighting that if we do not continue on this path, the economy could collapse again. That’s why I am asking for the people's mandate to continue moving forward with this plan.
Former Ministers Anura Kumara and Sajith Premadasa, who are campaigning against me, propose to overhaul the current system and implement their own. They promise to ease living costs and eliminate taxes. However, such measures would jeopardize our IMF assistance, leading to a potential collapse of the economy. We have worked with the IMF to strengthen the rupee and have seen a gradual decrease in commodity prices. Our current program is already providing increased relief to the people.
We are now in a position to reduce taxes. I have raised the tax threshold from Rs. 500, 000h to Rs. 720, 000, which will provide a 15%-25% tax relief to many. Additionally, with improved foreign exchange reserves, we have resumed vehicle imports.
The economy is strengthening, and with the continuation of this program for another three years, it will become even more resilient. While Sajith and Anura advocate for tax cuts, I also support this idea, but not at the cost of progress. Reducing taxes prematurely could undermine our economic recovery and risk a return to the dire situation of June 2022. I am committed to being transparent with the people about these challenges.
As we work to strengthen our nation's economy, we must also ease the burden on people's lives. It's crucial to address the root causes of the current economic crisis and find solutions. We should swiftly transition to an export-driven economy, similar to Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Next year, we plan to create 100,000 self-employment opportunities across both the government and private sectors. This initiative will provide relief to those who are self-employed and stimulate the development of new job opportunities. Additionally, our agricultural modernization program aims to eradicate rural poverty.
We are also working to double the number of tourists visiting our country and attract investors. However, Sajith and Anura's policies have driven investors away.
Addressing issues in the north is essential. Development in the north must extend beyond political concerns; it needs to keep pace with progress in other provinces. My manifesto includes plans to strengthen and empower provincial councils, with nine provincial governments supporting the central government’s efforts.
We are also in the process of establishing the National Land Commission and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Following the recommendations of the Justice Nawaz Commission, we are committed to resolving the issue of missing persons within the next five years.
In addressing the concerns of the Tamil community, we are particularly focused on supporting Tamil women in the north. The Women's Empowerment Act has been passed, and we are setting up dedicated units in every police station to handle reports of harassment against women and children. We are also taking measures to prevent domestic violence, including actions to address situations where a husband who is drunk disturbs his wife. These initiatives are currently being implemented.
However, solving the political issues in the north is not enough; we must also tackle development challenges. We have established the first investment zone in Kankasanthurai, with plans to launch a second zone in Paranthan and a third in Mankulam, which will drive significant progress in the region. Palali Airport has been upgraded to an international standard, and we are rolling out a comprehensive program to boost the tourism industry in the province. Additionally, the fishing industry is being developed, and Punarin city is being constructed as a solar energy hub. It is essential that both politics and development advance in harmony for the province's success.
Former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara once led a significant campaign in the South against Provincial Councils. Therefore, he and his supporters should ensure that any proposed activities are executed properly, as mere promises are insufficient. I faced criticism for urging in Jaffna that the Tamil people should not be threatened. When I posed questions, there were no answers. Although I agreed to participate in a debate, I have yet to receive an invitation, indicating an inability to address my questions.
I won’t dwell on Sajith Premadasa, the opposition leader, who, when addressing the public, only makes promises of free giveaways. At this point, his only remaining offer seems to be a free headache. Neither Sajith nor Anura provides a viable solution. What Jaffna needs is a comprehensive development program. I urge you to vote for the “Gas Cylinder” on September 21 to support this vision.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe successfully stabilized the country’s economy over the past two years. To sustain and build on the economic improvements he has initiated, it is crucial that he continues as the nation's leader for the next five years.
Given the strong likelihood of President Wickremesinghe's victory in the upcoming Presidential Election, the people in the north are eager to contribute to that success. The EPDP has made a strategic decision to support his re-election in the best interest of the people. I trust that everyone will rally behind this decision.
We are a nation that remembers the hardships of long queues for essentials like fuel, milk powder, gas, and kerosene. Today, the people here are not transported by buses like those who support Anura Kumara; they are here because they believe in President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership and want him to win this year’s presidential election.
Anura Kumara and Sajith, who observed the people's suffering and then withdrew, are clearly unfit for the presidency. The best way to reject their candidacies is to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe on September 21.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proven himself to be a courageous leader over the past two years. He has worked tirelessly to rebuild the country with the support of the international community. He took charge when the nation was destabilized due to the economic crisis, with an empty treasury.
While other opposition leaders focused on advancing their parties and personal interests, President Wickremesinghe devoted his efforts to stabilizing the economy and improving the lives of the people. As a result, today, our daily lives have regained stability, just as he had envisioned.
Furthermore, during the challenging times, the president ensured that the fishing community received essential supplies like kerosene, boats, and fishing nets at subsidized rates.
He also facilitated the restoration of several Hindu temples, allowing our people to worship freely. He has created a society where people of all religions can freely practice their faith.
Therefore, we must commit ourselves to ensuring his victory in the upcoming Presidential Election.
Religious leaders led by the Maha Sangha, EPDP political leaders, electorate organizers, and large crowds were also present at the rally.
