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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that his policy is not merely to alleviate poverty, but to increase people's income and enrich their lives. He contrasted this approach with the policies of Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, whom he criticized for maintaining a political strategy that keeps people in poverty to serve their own agendas. The President urged citizens to unite with him in the upcoming presidential election to bring about meaningful change.
Speaking at the "Ranil ta Puluwan" (Ranil Can) rally in Medavachchiya today (10), President Wickremesinghe addressed a large gathering of supporters who attended to back his campaign for re-election. He also outlined his vision for the next decade, stating that poor villages would be transformed into prosperous communities and that the historical prosperity of Raja Rata would be restored.
The President further noted that his government has already initiated programs to uplift farmers and highlighted that the upcoming election is not about political party victories, but about securing the future of the country. He called on all citizens to come together, putting aside party differences, to ensure national progress.
"None of us on this stage wanted to see the people of this country suffer, which is why we came together. We accepted the responsibility of keeping our citizens alive when no one else did. While Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake focused on making short-term promises, they abandoned the people when the country was facing severe shortages of fuel, fertilizer and medicine.
We took on the responsibility when they left the people behind. Today, we have provided relief, and more will be given next year. To ensure the strength of our economy, we must transition to an export-driven model over the next five years, a plan we've included in the 'Puluwan Sri Lanka' program.
To empower the people, we’ve launched a program granting free land rights. Alongside the agricultural modernization initiative, we are working to increase crop yields and create stable sources of income for farmers. Over the next decade, we will transform impoverished villages into prosperous ones, especially in the Raja Rata region. Our goal is to restore the area's historical fertility and wealth, starting with supporting farmers through loan concessions.
I don’t offer concessions to eliminate poverty; I provide them to boost incomes and create wealth. We aim to make our people prosperous, a vision that neither Sajith nor Anura can claim. Additionally, we plan to establish large industrial zones in these areas, driving the creation of a new economy.
I learned politics from J.R. Jayawardene, just as Sajith's father, Ranasinghe Premadasa, did. These leaders taught us that if the people are hungry, we must feed them, and if they lack income, we must create opportunities for them. However, today, Sajith has strayed far from the policies of UNP leaders like Jayawardene and Premadasa. We, on the other hand, continue to uphold those values, and we are asking for the people's mandate in this presidential election to carry forward that vision.
President Jayawardene and President Ranasinghe Premadasa did not abandon the people in times of hardship. To continue their legacy and the policies of the United National Party, I call on all UNP members to support me, as I represent the party's enduring principles dating back to D.S. Senanayake.
Now is not the time for political rivalry. We must unite to end the people's hunger. I urge everyone to think about the future of your families and stand together for change. On September 21st, I ask you to make a decisive statement and vote for the ‘Gas Cylinder’."
Since 2022, our country has been steadily stabilizing financially, and the lives of our people have also become more stable. The government, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has undertaken significant efforts to bring our country to this point.
Back then, we faced a crisis with 13-hour power outages, shortages of fuel, food, and gas. No leader was willing to take on the country at that time. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped up, addressing the basic needs of the people, including providing fertilizers to farmers and ensuring they were supported and established a support scheme for fertilizer assistance amounting to Rs. 25,000 per farmer for the upcoming season.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake lacks the capability to address the country's needs. They cannot engage with International Monetary Fund (IMF). The National People’s Power (NPP) led by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna's (JVP) seems primarily focused on keeping the suffering population in distress. Therefore, the people are not prepared to entrust power to JVP. This party was also responsible for halting the Sampur power plant and delaying the Uma Oya project by seven years.
Sajith Premadasa claims to have a capable team, but this team was unwilling to take charge in 2022. If they had the capability and responsibility, they would have managed the country then. However, it is only President Ranil Wickremesinghe who has been able to take charge effectively. The President has ensured that all the necessary resources are provided to the people without shortages. Additionally, he has worked to stabilize the country's economy.
Over the next five years, we anticipate that he will continue to provide relief to the people and enhance their quality of life. President Wickremesinghe has also allocated funds for the development of the North-Central region and supported the Maha Kanadara project. Starting from the coming year, state employees' salaries will be increased by Rs. 25,000.
Under the current President’s leadership, a country that was once on the brink of bankruptcy has been transformed into one where economic development and public support are now achievable. This is why it is essential to give him the mandate for the next five years.
In 2022, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake didn’t take over the country because they couldn’t do it. They lacked international connections and understanding of the necessary issues.
In 2022, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took charge of the economic crisis and has been managing it effectively. Therefore, it is essential to entrust him with leadership for the next five years. During that time, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake only engaged in protests and symbolic gestures without offering any real solutions to the country's problems.
As we approach September 21, the public must decide whether to support the leader who has actively worked to resolve the nation's issues or to choose those who avoided addressing them. I am confident that the people of Anuradhapura are committed to ensuring that President Ranil Wickremesinghe wins with a decisive majority.
On the 17th of last month, President Ranil Wickremesinghe's election rallies began. Since then, attendance at his events has been increasing daily. This trend was clearly evident today with the large turnout in Horowpothana.
We opposed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s decision to use organic fertilizers at that time, which led to a period of economic instability. Similarly, the current candidates for the Presidency are also lacking in effective solutions. Their speeches reveal their inadequacy in addressing the country’s challenges.
Anura Dissanayake is now consulting with artists, doctors, and professionals. However, the advice given by such individuals was one of the reasons Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to leave the Presidency. During Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's tenure, Anura Kumara Dissanayake's contributions to agricultural development were minimal. The farming community is well aware of this.
Therefore, consider whether you want to vote for someone who has done nothing for the country or support the President who has demonstrated tangible results.
President Wickremesinghe has worked tirelessly to create a livable environment for the people, transforming the country into a place where citizens can thrive. This progress is now being experienced by the people. The efforts made by the President are evident when obtaining gas, fertilizers and fuel. We should all commit to ensuring the President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory, as it represents a triumph for the entire nation.
Some are questioning why President Ranil Wickremesinghe is being considered for the presidency of SLPP. It was the SLPP leaders who initially entrusted him with the presidency. President Wickremesinghe has diligently worked to strengthen the economy and has honoured the responsibilities of his position with dedication. He now stands before the people as a symbol of success and resilience.
I urge you to support him in this presidential election, acknowledging his efforts in rescuing the country from its challenges and embracing the promise of continued progress over the next five years.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is a globally recognized leader whose international relations have played a crucial role in ending the era of shortages in Sri Lanka that plagued the country two years ago. His strategic acumen enabled Sri Lanka to emerge from economic recession in just two years, a feat that many other struggling nations have yet to achieve.
As he seeks re-election, President Wickremesinghe is asking for your support for the next five years. He is committed to building a stable economy that will thrive without falling back into past difficulties. If leadership were to change, the country could regress into another period of shortages within just six months. Therefore, I urge everyone to support President Wickremesinghe , transcending party affiliations, to ensure continued progress and stability for Sri Lanka.
During a period of national suffering, opposition MPs were unwilling to assume government responsibility, and their economic experts dismissed the crisis as insurmountable. Amidst widespread hardship, President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the only leader who stepped forward to support the people.
President Wickremesinghe took on the challenge unconditionally, working tirelessly to alleviate the nation’s suffering. Over the past two years, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara have merely obstructed the President’s efforts without offering constructive alternatives. If leadership were to fall to Anura Kumara or Sajith Premadasa, the country’s future could be dire. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring President Ranil Wickremesinghe victory at the Horuvpatana seat by a margin of over 20, 000 votes.
The NPP led By JVP is using social media to issue threats against other political parties, claiming that their rise to power would eliminate opposition. Despite claims of change, the core nature remains the same. Today, Lalkantha is reportedly endorsing violence and intimidation against members of rival parties, including the burning and destruction of their homes. The group appears poised to spread terror across the country.
Meanwhile, Anura Kumara Dissanayake downplays these threats, but it is worth noting that his party was previously involved in similar acts of violence. The JVP, now masquerading as a moderate force, has a troubling history of terrorism. Should they come to power, it is likely that violence and persecution would follow. I urge our people to reject any notion of empowering this dangerous group.
There are growing questions about the substantial amounts spent by the NPP led by JVP and the SJB on their election campaigns. It’s crucial to investigate how these parties, which claim to expose corruption, have amassed such significant funds. Once our government is in place, our first priority will be to scrutinize the finances behind these campaigns.
This year, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is standing for re-election, showcasing his success in improving the country’s economy. The nation requires his vision and leadership for the next five years, and he is seeking the people’s mandate to continue his work. We must come together to support his candidacy and ensure his leadership for the coming term. Let us unite to secure President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory and advance our country’s progress.
In 2004, a devastating tsunami struck our country, and as the waters receded, a new disaster unfolded. We must not be misled by deceptive waves of rhetoric or rallies, as they can bring tragedy to our nation.
Today, the leader who has revitalized our economy and ended the era of shortages stands before you. If President Ranil Wickremesinghe is not re-elected by the 21st, many will face uncertainty and unrest.
I urge you to vote for the good of all citizens. Do not contribute to the danger of elevating a party or individual that may lead the country into further darkness. Instead, support the gas cylinder symbol on the 21st and commit to re-electing President Ranil Wickremesinghe for continued progress and stability.
