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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed that implementing the National People's Power (NPP) proposals would lead to a devaluation of the rupee and a collapse of the country's economy. He explained that economic experts have reviewed the NPP's election promises, revealing that their projected expenditure for next year is Rs. 8.9 trillion, while their revenue, based on unrealistic pledges such as tax reductions, would be only 4.9 trillion, leaving a Rs. 4 trillion deficit. The President challenged former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake to present a clear economic plan rather than misleading the public with false promises, accusing him of avoiding critical questions.
These remarks were made during the "Ranil ta Puluwan" (Ranil Can) rally held in Haguranketha, Rikilagaskada, this afternoon (09), which saw a large turnout in support of President Wickremesinghe's candidacy in the upcoming presidential election. The President highlighted his efforts in stabilizing the country by ensuring access to food, medicine, and fuel during a time of crisis and stated that his "Puluwan Sri Lanka" program is key to rebuilding the nation's economy. He urged the public to give him the mandate to continue this work in the upcoming election.
“When I took responsibility for this country in 2022, it was to end the era of shortages and ensure that you had the food, fuel, and medicine you needed. I fulfilled that basic duty at a time when other leaders were unwilling to step up. I couldn’t stand by and watch people go without food or die from a lack of medicine. I wanted to prevent our economy from collapsing due to a lack of fuel and dragging the country into further poverty, so I accepted the responsibility and began the work of rebuilding our economy.
I invited Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and others to join this effort, but none of them stepped forward. I provided food, medicine, and fuel to the people and worked to improve livelihoods, creating a more livable environment. Yet, during this time, I was mocked and labeled "Ranil Rajapaksa." When they said that, they distanced themselves, but that doesn’t bother me. If I'm blamed for feeding the people, I will accept that blame. If I had protected the Rajapaksas, they wouldn’t have left when they did. They left when the majority of the party was still with me. If someone supported me to ensure the right to live for our people, I can't argue with that.
When I asked for help from Sajith and Anura, they turned away. So, I worked with those who stayed to rebuild the country's economy. Today, we’ve stabilized the economy and moved it forward, implementing the economic program based on agreements with the International Monetary Fund. The "Puluwan Sri Lanka" program is about building the country, and I’m running in the upcoming presidential election to seek the people’s mandate to continue this work.
Currently, neither the Samagi Jana Balawegaya nor the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna led NPP have a clear economic policy. The JVP doesn't even know if it’s aiming for an export or import-driven economy. I’ve asked about this, but there’s still no answer. Just last Friday, I referred to Anura Kumara as a friend, and he told me not to. So, I ask former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake why he hasn’t given a clear answer on his economic policy. What’s he afraid of?
I’ve reviewed the NPP's budget proposals in their "Compass" plan, and if those are implemented, the dollar will soar to Rs. 400-425, collapsing the economy. Inflation will rise to 25%. I had several experts review their proposals, and when we examined the budget, the numbers were alarming.
Next year, our projected expenditure will be Rs. 6.8 trillion, while our income will be Rs. 5.1 trillion. We can raise funds through bonds and bills up to 5% of domestic production, which will cover the shortfall. With that, our total income will match the Rs. 6.8 trillion in expenditure. We cannot resort to printing money, so it's essential that we continue with this economic plan.
However, according to the Compass (Malimawa) proposals, their expenditure is set at Rs. 8.9 trillion, but their income would only be Rs. 4.9 trillion due to unrealistic promises, like reducing the tax burden. This leaves a gap of Rs. 4 trillion. How do they plan to cover this deficit?
Given that they can only borrow up to 5% of the gross domestic product, they won't be able to raise enough money from domestic sources. To bridge this gap, they would need to borrow significantly more from the market, which would reduce the funds available to the private sector. As a result, private sector interest rates would rise to 25%. Alternatively, they would have to print money, which would halt all international aid to Sri Lanka, driving the exchange rate to Rs. 500 per dollar. This would cause inflation to soar, drastically increasing the cost of goods. If the Compass proposals are implemented, the country's economy will collapse once again.
If the Compass party claims to have an economic plan, this is where it will lead. I challenge former Agriculture Minister Anura Dissanayake to present his budget and prove us wrong. Why hasn’t Anura Kumara addressed this? Because they have no real plan, only accusations.
So, I urge the people to think carefully about their future and vote for the gas cylinder symbol on September 21.”
It is a great pleasure to see both members of the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) gathered here in support of President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory. S.B. Dissanayake and I, who once stood on separate platforms in the same area, are now standing together on the same stage. I learned from his brother, Saliya Dissanayake, how to work closely with the people of Hanguranketha. Like my father, Gamini Dissanayake, and Saliya Dissanayake, we are determined to ensure the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
This is a time when people must unite, regardless of race or party, to uplift the country's economy. We must all contribute to this effort. The appointment of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President in 2019, despite his lack of experience, led to a severe economic crisis in the country, creating a time of scarcity and long queues. At that critical moment, no leader stepped forward to take charge of the nation, except for the experienced President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took responsibility and worked to relieve the suffering of the people. Now, the government has managed to provide all essential goods and services such as food, fuel, and gas without shortages. If this had not happened, Sri Lanka would have faced the same fate as Bangladesh.
At a time when the country was facing an economic crisis, despite Sajith Premadasa having the support of nearly 58 Members of Parliament, he did not step forward to take on the responsibility of rebuilding the nation. Anura Kumara Dissanayake had three Members of Parliament, but he too was unwilling to accept the challenge. It was President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with just one seat in Parliament, who took on the responsibility alone. Not only did he accept the challenge, but he also succeeded in overcoming it.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also taken steps to increase the wages of estate workers. Through the 'Kandurata Dhashakaya' program, a special initiative has been launched specifically for the people of the Up Country. To ensure the continuity of these programs and initiatives, it is crucial that Ranil Wickremesinghe remains the President for the next five years.
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected with a mandate of 6.9 million votes and worked to build a strong government by securing the largest number of parliamentary seats in history. However, during his tenure, the economy collapsed dramatically. The airport and port were forced to close, approximately 700,000 businesses shuttered, and over 12 million people lost their jobs. The peaceful “Aragalaya” protest turned deadly, with Namal Baby's home set ablaze, along with 150 buses and around 200 houses.
At that critical moment, Sajith Premadasa was invited to lead but hesitated. Anura Kumara Dissanayake suggested dissolving Parliament, but President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped in, effectively managing the economy during these turbulent times. Sri Lanka has sought assistance from the IMF multiple times in the past, often failing to adhere to the agreed-upon conditions.
However, under the leadership of President Wickremesinghe, the IMF granted a crucial loan, driven by confidence in his management. This support enabled the country to make an extraordinary and rapid recovery, setting a global record for economic turnaround.
No other nation experiencing a similar economic collapse has rebounded as swiftly. To ensure the continuation of this successful recovery program, it is vital to support President Wickremesinghe's efforts. For the sake of our nation and its future, Sri Lankans should re-elect President Ranil Wickremesinghe as President for the next five years.
The majority of the SLPP has decided to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe. We spoke to him and said, "You belong to the people of this country," and therefore, we urged him to contest the Presidential Election as an independent candidate. While every other candidate is focused on securing victory for their party, we have united to ensure victory for the people's representative.
We don't need to remind the public about the days of waiting in long queues; those difficult days are still fresh in their minds. It was President Ranil Wickremesinghe who saved the people from that suffering. Not long ago, we couldn't even open a small shop or run a business, and people had to endure days without food. Today, the people stand strong, thanks to the strength given by President Wickremesinghe. We will never lose that strength, and I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that he remains in the Presidential seat for the benefit of all.
In a time of national crisis, when leadership was desperately needed, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped up to the challenge. We now bear a historic responsibility to ensure his victory.
Amidst the turmoil caused by the Corona pandemic and a severe economic downturn, and in the face of rising terrorist threats that led to the storming of the President’s House, President Wickremesinghe emerged as a stabilizing force. He played a crucial role in protecting the parliament from being overtaken by extremists and guiding the country back towards a state of peace.
His efforts to revitalize the struggling economy have garnered international recognition and are now being felt positively by the public. As the nation approaches the upcoming presidential election, it is clear that President Wickremesinghe remains the leader best suited to prevent a return to the hardships of the past.
Today, I stand independently with a clear purpose: to support the victory of President Ranil wickremesinghe, which is crucial for our country’s future. After serving as a MP for 20 years, I respectfully handed over my position to the people who entrusted it to me. I am confident that President Wickremesinghe will win upcoming presidential election, and I am eager to contribute to that success.
Throughout every crisis our nation has faced, President Wickremesinghe has consistently stood by the people. His ability to navigate and overcome these challenges is a testament to his mature leadership.
When the economy collapsed in 2022, many believed recovery was impossible, and when a president with a mandate from 6.9 million voters abandoned the country, no other leader stepped forward. During the crisis, as the price of essentials like milk powder and cement skyrocketed, there was no one to take charge.
Now, as some leaders make promises in temples and churches, we must not be swayed by empty assurances. If we fall for such politics again, we risk returning to the difficult times of the past. It is not about individual victories but about securing a win for our nation.
A large gathering, including members of the Maha Sangha and clergy from other religions, as well as former heads and members of various political parties representing local government bodies, participated in this event.
