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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the group known as "Malimawa" is spreading hatred across the country, urging citizens to consider the consequences if they gain power under this guise of hostility. He criticized them for making unrealistic promises and called on them to reveal their true economic policies. The President emphasized that, while his views may not always be popular, he always speaks the truth for the sake of the country and its future.
Speaking at the "Ranil ta Puluwan" (Ranil Can ) victory rally held in Kasbewa today (12), which saw a large turnout in support of his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, Wickremesinghe highlighted the failure of Anura Kumara, who had been entrusted with the role of Agriculture Minister, to deliver on his responsibilities. He argued that had Anura fulfilled his duties, the country's agriculture sector would have advanced by now. Instead, he claimed, Anura's focus on sowing division and lacking clear policies would only lead to the nation’s decline.
Additionally, the President accused Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara of having a covert alliance, stating that they are both working to defeat him. He added that Sajith has already accepted defeat. Wickremesinghe urged voters to remember that a vote for Sajith Premadasa or Namal Rajapaksa is effectively a vote for Anura Kumara.
"By the end of next week, the people of this country will have the chance to vote and decide their future. The destiny of both the people and the nation will hinge on this decision.
Two years ago, when the people were without food, fuel, fertilizer, and medicine, when workplaces were shut down, none of the leaders stepped forward to provide for the people. I ask, where were those leaders then? Today, they are asking for votes, but during that crisis, they were nowhere to be seen.
People stood in long queues for food, medicine, fuel, and gas. I could not stand by and watch. When I was asked to accept the role of Prime Minister, I agreed. I didn’t take it from anyone; no one else was willing to take on the responsibility. Later, I assumed the presidency. Today, we have food, medicine, fuel, and gas. There are no shortages. The rupee has strengthened, and the economy is gradually recovering. It is crucial that we maintain this economic stability. This is why I am asking for the people’s mandate in this presidential election. We have already outlined our plan to develop the country and taken steps to ease the burdens on people’s lives.
However, former agriculture minister Anura Kumara claims that we are not doing enough, calling on the people to vote them into power. He urges people to vote for the Malimawa, but what happens if you vote for it? Ask them what the value of the rupee will be against the dollar? That is why I am urging you all to vote for the Gas Cylinder on the 21st.”
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly to meet the basic needs of citizens across the country, from north to south and east to west, ensuring no shortages. Under his leadership, he swiftly restored a financially troubled nation to stability through effective management.
President Wickremesinghe also championed legislative initiatives for women and played a pivotal role in advancing education by establishing science faculties and numerous teacher training centres during his tenure as Minister of Education. His era is marked by a commitment to innovation and progress, exemplified by the founding of the first television channel in Sri Lanka by his brother.
Currently, the JVP seems focused on misleading the public and seizing power rather than governing democratically. With only three seats in Parliament and aspirations for the presidency, one must question whether the JVP will resort to forceful measures to pass legislation.
Continuing on the path of economic management and development, as demonstrated by President Wickremesinghe, is crucial for transforming our nation into a developed country. Therefore, I urge you to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe's continued leadership and victory.
Leaders emerge during times of crisis. True leadership involves confronting challenges head-on, not shying away from fear. Those who fled in fear during critical moments are now presenting themselves as presidential candidates. We must question whether they are truly qualified for this role. This period has been an opportunity for the public to evaluate our leaders, and it is clear that neither Sajith Premadasa nor Anura Dissanayake stepped up to take responsibility during the crisis.
The cabinet has approved a plan to address salary disparities in the public service next year. However, the policy statement of the NPP led by JVP, which led protests demanding higher wages, does not include any promises for increasing government salaries. Sri Lanka has previously managed to repay loans from Bangladesh, and the current challenges facing Bangladesh serve as a reminder of the lessons we've learned.
Anura Dissanayake has stated that he would dissolve Parliament the day after assuming power, a promise not made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. President Wickremesinghe, instead, offers the potential to strengthen and advance our nation's progress. Now is not the time for risky experiments. There is a growing recognition of President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership, and I urge you all to support him with a decisive mandate of over 50%.
Some may have forgotten the days of long queues, but President Ranil Wickremesinghe played a crucial role in stabilizing the country when the economy was on the brink of collapse. He received significant support from parliamentarians across various parties, including the SLPP, SJB and SLFP, which helped him manage the economic crisis effectively.
In contrast, Gotabaya Rajapaksa's presidency failed to deliver on his 2019 election promises, leading the country into a severe crisis. Decisions like cutting taxes and shifting to organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones exacerbated the situation. As we approach upcoming presidential election, we hear similar promises of tax cuts and unfulfilled commitments. But entrusting the country to such candidates risks a return to those difficult times.
Thanks to President Wickremesinghe's strong international relations, Sri Lanka received crucial support from global partners during the crisis. The trust we built with the international community was instrumental in resolving the crisis, fostering tourism growth, and attracting over 2.5 million foreign visitors expected by the end of the year.
Today, under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, the country is receiving essential supplies like fuel, gas, food, and medicine without shortages. The government is also taking measures to manage debt and curb money printing, leading to a stabilized economy. Plans are in place to create 100,000 jobs next year and boost international trade.
In contrast, Anura Kumara, who promises to build an export economy, also advocates for cancelling free trade agreements. His approach lacks a clear strategy for fostering export growth. President Wickremesinghe, however, is already implementing a new program to enhance the export economy and is working on the Economic Transformation Act to support this initiative. Continuing this program could also lead to tax concessions.
Therefore, I urge you to support President Wickremesinghe to maintain and advance this vital economic program.
On September 21st, we are not choosing a leader who shies away from challenges. We need a leader who confronts difficulties head-on and provides effective solutions. This leader must be someone who can elevate Sri Lanka on the international stage and drive development for future generations. That leader is the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President Wickremesinghe stands out among the presidential candidates as the only one who has bravely accepted the challenge. Even if a mistake is made in this election, we must be aware that Sri Lanka’s future could mirror the challenges faced by countries like Bangladesh and the Maldives.
As of September 22nd, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be the permanent President of this country. I am honoured to have stepped down from my position as a MP to support his victory. Many in the SJB, like me, are focused on the upcoming parliament, but I believe managing the country's economy and addressing the needs of the people is far more important than simply securing a parliamentary seat.
This election is crucial for determining the future of our nation. I have worked with two leaders throughout my career, and for sixteen years, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been my leader, a fact I take great pride in.
Had Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, whom we all knew and respected, been alive today, I am confident he would have supported President Wickremesinghe. During the impeachment of Late President Premadasa, President Wickremesinghe played a key role in leading the defence against it.
President Wickremesinghe stands as the only leader who has consistently protected both the party and the people, providing steadfast political leadership. He has been the one to step up every time the country faced dire situations. Therefore, I urge you to vote for his victory without fear or hesitation.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the only leader who stepped up to lead the country during its most critical time, when it was struggling to stay afloat. In contrast, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is now seeking power, was once appointed as Agriculture Minister. I must ask whether he fulfilled his responsibilities effectively. Furthermore, what has the Tissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha achieved? They promised to build a thousand tanks, but has even one been completed? Dissanayake merely allocated development funds to his supporters. So, I would like to question how someone who has failed to manage a pradeshiya sabha, let alone a ministry, can be expected to govern a country.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake's Finance Minister, Handunnetti, has criticized Elon Musk as an economic threat. Meanwhile, Dissanayake himself, who views paying off national debt as a disgrace, has failed to outline a clear plan for generating state revenue in his policy statement.
During the “Aragalaya”, President Wickremesinghe safeguarded the state and restored peace, preventing Sri Lanka from descending into the turmoil seen in Bangladesh.
Furthermore, Sajith Premadasa’s sister was recently apprehended for involvement in counterfeiting. Can individuals associated with such actions be trusted to lead the country? Does such a person have the moral authority to demand control of this nation?
President Wickremesinghe has not only assured stability but has also extended vital services, such as providing thirteen years of education for students and free medical care for heart patients. These accomplishments are just a glimpse of his contributions. I urge you to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s re-election to ensure a stable economy, continued development, and a secure future for our children.
While the opposition spent two years vying for power, President Ranil Wickremesinghe dedicated himself to ensuring the well-being of the people. His focus was on providing gas, fuel, food, and medicine without shortages. Meanwhile, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Dissanayake, who failed to secure the presidency, continue to make unrealistic promises on stages. It’s irrelevant whether Ranasinghe Premadasa's son has a backbone; what matters is recognizing the cowardice of leaders who seek power without facing challenges and who vanish when crises arise.
No developed country in the world today is led by a socialist regime. If Anura Dissanayake were to take charge, Sri Lanka could fall further behind nations like Bangladesh. Therefore, Sri Lanka needs the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in this critical period. I urge everyone to support his victory and commit to his continued leadership.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has performed a remarkable feat by restoring order to a nation that was in chaos. Among countries that have emerged from bankruptcy, Sri Lanka stands out as having recovered the fastest, thanks to President Wickremesinghe's adept financial management. The benefits of his exceptional economic stewardship are evident in the improved conditions the people are experiencing today, just two years later.
While the country was grappling with bankruptcy and citizens were enduring hardships, various parties, groups, and individuals who avoided confronting the crisis are now making unrealistic promises from their platforms. If we return control to the leaders who fled during the crisis, the nation’s future could be bleak.
The event was attended by Maha Sangha and other respected religious figures, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva and Bandula Gunawardena, MPs Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and Major Pradeep Udugoda, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, and representatives of local political authorities.
