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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that in this year's presidential election, the people must decide whether they want to create a stable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka or risk a chaotic and uncertain situation for every family. He noted that the government has already initiated a program aimed at leading the country toward prosperity, with current goods prices lower than those in 2022. He assured that the economic stability achieved so far would be maintained to ease the cost of living burden on the people.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally in Polonnaruwa this afternoon (31). The rally, organized to confirm his victory in the upcoming presidential election, was attended by a large crowd from the Polonnaruwa district.
In his speech, the President emphasized that to progress as a developed country, Sri Lanka must strengthen its economy and reduce the cost of living. However, he criticized Sajith and Anura for making false promises about tax reductions, warning that they are repeating the same mistakes that led to previous economic downturns. He reminded the audience of the economic collapse caused by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's tax cuts and urged them not to forget that lesson.
Before attending the rally, President Wickremesinghe visited the historic Dimbulagala Rajamaha Vihara and met with the head of the Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanadhipathi, Venerable Dimbulagala Rahulalankara Nayaka Thera, to receive his blessings.
At the Dimbulagala Rajamaha Vihara, the Dimbulagala Senasanadhipathi Thera chanted Seth Pirith and offered blessings to the President. Following this, the President had a brief discussion with the Thera, during which they reviewed the development activities of both the temple and the surrounding area.
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi:
When I see the courageous people standing firm to ensure the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, I am confident that his victory will be a resounding one. Just two days ago, the National People's Power (NPP) unveiled their manifesto. Anura Kumara Dissanayake claims they will reduce direct taxes, reduce indirect taxes, and increase spending. However, this is the same approach that led to the downfall of the previous government (SLPP). The people of Sri Lanka experienced the consequences of misguided economic policies two years ago when the economy collapsed.
The agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cannot be altered by anyone. If it is altered, the Sri Lankan economy will inevitably collapse. Thanks to President Ranil Wickremesinghe's economic management skills, the economy has now stabilized, and the people are reaping the benefits. Changing this economic plan would once again lead to disaster.
As the Minister of Mahaweli Development, I have received instructions from the President to grant land ownership to all the people living on Mahaweli lands. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader who has made the decision to grant land rights to these people. He understands that the country’s economy cannot improve unless farmers are empowered economically. That's why the foundation has already been laid to introduce modern agriculture through greenhouse farming and new technology. President Wickremesinghe is the only leader with the realistic knowledge to uplift the economy of this country. Therefore, I urge all citizens to unite and ensure his victory.
Member of Parliament S.M. Chandrasena:
When you were suffering from gas, food, and fuel shortages in 2022, none of those now demanding power stepped forward. The opposition, which claims to stand for the people, did not take responsibility for the country at that time. Now, they are trying to deceive the people with manifestos that are impossible to implement. The terror unleashed by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) during the 1988-89 period is still remembered by the people of the North-Central Province. Those who recall those dark times would never vote for the JVP or even speak in their favour. The JVP has not contributed to any development projects in Sri Lanka. All they have done is lead protests and disrupt the country.
Ranil Wickremesinghe has always worked under other Presidents, but it was only after becoming Acting President that we saw how he made decisions for the benefit of the people. He took on the challenge during a time when the nation was in crisis, standing alone as a single member of Parliament. He made the right decisions to revive the economy without resorting to popular measures. He knew that as the economy
improved, so would the financial strength of the people. Intelligent citizens observed President Wickremesinghe's actions quietly, and I am confident that they will express their gratitude for his work on September 21st.
Member of Parliament Duminda Dissanayake:
When the country’s economy collapsed to the point where we couldn’t even pay public servants’ salaries, there was no leader willing to take charge. However, even as a single member of Parliament, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took on that responsibility and worked to stabilize the economy. The people have witnessed this first-hand. On September 21st, they will return him to power as a show of gratitude for his service.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has presented only what is achievable in his "Puluwan Sri Lanka" manifesto. He hasn’t made promises to mislead the people with false hopes. Just as he stabilized the economy over the past two years, he has the capability to build a resilient economy over the next five years. The JVP is spreading seeds of hatred on the election stage, trying to manipulate the people into giving them power. But no country can be uplifted by voting for hatred.
MP Jagath Samarawickrama;
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader dedicated to truly serving the people. Over the past two years, since him taking office, he has significantly benefited Polonnaruwa. Notably, he facilitated the granting of freehold land deeds for Mahaweli lands in the region. Today, a broad political platform has been established for his victory, highlighting his commitment to serving the people regardless of political affiliation. The team capable of advancing Sri Lanka's economy is gathered here today. Therefore, let’s ensure that this accomplished leader is given the opportunity to continue his work and secure a decisive victory in the Polonnaruwa district.
Governor of the North Central Province, Maheepala Herath;
Throughout our political history, elections have typically divided us into various parties. However, the upcoming presidential election unites all parties behind a single goal: electing President Ranil Wickremesinghe for another five-year term. Across the country, people are committed to re-electing President Wickremesinghe, who took charge during a time of economic crisis and has worked tirelessly to restore Sri Lanka’s stability and growth. The presidential election paper today clearly shows that President Wickremesinghe is the only experienced leader among the candidates. Over the past two years, his plans to revitalize the economy have yielded visible results. As he presents these accomplishments, let’s work together to build an economy that will remain strong for the next five years. I urge you all to show your support and preference for his proven leadership.
Former Minister, P. Harrison;
The UNP has initiated the Mahaweli Movements and made significant contributions to agricultural development in the Polonnaruwa District. However, today the JVP members, who seem unaware of these efforts, are misleading the public in Polonnaruwa by falsely claiming that nothing has been done for the district.
Today, the JVP, which is campaigning for democracy, was responsible for the killing of the first person who arrived at the polling station. In 2022, they were responsible for the death of Amarakeerthi Athukorala from your district, and they have yet to apologize for this act. Additionally, in 2022, they destroyed the homes of MPs and chairpersons within two hours, and now they are talking about democracy. If it weren’t for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they might have taken over and set fire to Parliament, showing their disregard for democratic principles. Just look at the tragic situation in Bangladesh, where twenty-nine MPs have been killed. President Ranil Wickremesinghe took an oath to restore and secure peace in our country, a commitment that remains crucial today.
The policy statement claims that Sajith Premadasa will provide fertilizer at a cost of Rs.4,000. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has already committed to providing fertilizer for free. When there was a shortage of fertilizer, it was President Wickremesinghe who utilized his international relations to secure supplies and restore agriculture, not those currently making promises.
In his manifesto, the President has also proposed developing the tourism industry by establishing an internal airport in Polonnaruwa. His manifesto outlines actionable plans rather than mere aspirations. It mentions a proposed salary increase of Rs.25, 000 for government employees, including police officers and armed personnel. The journey of solving the problems of the people of this country step by step requires your strength in this presidential election.
Former State Minister, Chandrasiri Sooriyaarachchi;
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader who has successfully saved our country’s economy. Additionally, his efforts to provide freehold land rights to those without land deeds are highly commendable. The Maduru Oya Reservoir was constructed by former President J.R. Jayewardene, and the UNP governments have made significant contributions to Polonnaruwa.
Those who have not made any contributions to Polonnaruwa are now seeking power to govern the country, but their actions have only become a source of mockery. For the people to live peacefully and enjoy economic stability, President Ranil Wickremesinghe should be re-elected.
Former Chief Minister of the North Central Province, Peshala Jayarathne;
For the first time since independence, the country's economy faced bankruptcy in 2022. The nation saw long queues for basic necessities like food, fuel, and gas. People even attempted to storm the President's House in their desperation for these essentials. The former president fled, and the former Prime Minister resigned. In this crisis, no other leader stepped forward to take charge. However, as the single MP, President Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed leadership and worked tirelessly to address the nation's basic needs. His efforts have been instrumental in stabilizing and improving the economy to its current state.
