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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he intends to reduce the tax burden on the public over the next two years while adhering to the agreements made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the 18 countries that have provided loans, and the agreements with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. He emphasized that the IMF agreement aims to increase people's income sources and provide relief by strengthening the rupee.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally held this afternoon (30) in Ja-Ela town. The rally, which aimed to secure support for his re-election in the upcoming presidential election, saw a large turnout.
He also reminded the audience that the country's economy collapsed when former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa removed taxes, claiming it would lead to economic improvement.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that Sajith and Anura are making political promises today that do not consider the long-term future of the country and its people. He remarked that if they truly cared about the welfare of the people, they would have stepped up to lead the country during the economic crisis of 2022.
President Wickremesinghe further commented:
“Let me be clear: in a typical presidential election, we would not all be standing on the same platform. We would be divided into two separate camps. But today, we stand together on this platform because we united for a different purpose. We came together not just to elect a president, but to save our country's economy and to protect our people.
When I assumed the office of President, I formed a government that brought together people from all groups. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa attempted to form a government in the usual way, but the leader of the opposition and the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) chose not to join. They believed that the country was finished and the economy was beyond saving.
But we took charge of the country, and in doing so, we saved both the nation and the economy. We had to make difficult decisions, and we were transparent with the people about those choices. Even when criticized, we remained patient. As a result of these tough decisions, the economy was strengthened. A stronger economy led to a stronger rupee, and a stronger rupee brings relief to the people.
We provided fertilizer and fuel to support agriculture, which helped the economy begin to recover. With that progress, we launched programs like "Aswasuma" to provide relief to the people. We increased the salaries of government employees by Rs. 10,000. Looking forward to 2025, we are working towards setting a minimum wage of Rs. 55,000. This is the progress we have achieved so far.
We have now started providing subsidies to farmers and are modernizing the fishing industry to provide subsidies to the fishing community as well. These sectors should be developed using new technologies.
Today, other candidates are promising to reduce the prices of goods and offer subsidies, but I don't make such promises. Our subsidies are aimed at increasing people's sources of income and boosting production. This approach not only raises income but also creates more employment opportunities.
We must move this country forward. Today, we stand with those who believe it is possible. The opposition consists of those who claimed it couldn't be done, and now they criticize us. Despite the challenges, we must continue to move forward.
We should make political decisions based on who is telling the truth and who has delivered real results. This decision is not about my future, it's about yours. You need to decide whether you want to wake up in the morning and go for a walk or stand in long queues for fuel and gas, whether you want to take your medicine on time or risk going without it. Don't let yourselves remain stuck in the same rut.
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa claimed that removing taxes would improve the economy, but when taxes were cut, the economy collapsed. We cannot afford to let that happen again. So, I urge you to consider your future carefully and make a decision that ensures stability and progress, so vote for the gas cylinder.”
Minister Susil Premajayantha:
At that time, when Ranil Wickremesinghe took on the responsibility of rebuilding the country after the crisis, he worked to uplift the economy and provide relief to the people. However, opposition-affiliated trade unions attempted to bring the country down again. They disrupted children's education, incited university students to protest, and organized trade union activities by teachers under the guise of sick leave. They declared that they would not end their trade union actions until salary disparities were resolved.
Major political parties presented their policy statements. Now, I ask, which policy statement offers a solution to the wage disparities in the public service? The only one addressing this issue is President Ranil Wickremesinghe's policy statement. According to the report of the 10-member committee appointed in May of last year, starting from January 2, 2025, the minimum salary in the public sector will increase by 24% and the maximum by 35%. The minimum salary will be Rs. 55,000, and the cost of living allowance will be Rs. 25,000, with pensioners receiving 50% of that amount. This plan, including professional qualifications according to NVQ levels, has been designed to permanently eliminate wage disparities.
Minister Ramesh Pathirana:
The then-President requested the leaders of various parties to take responsibility for the country without letting it descend into chaos. At that time, Sajith Premadasa met with the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, for discussions. After that meeting, their economic advisor, Harsha de Silva, tweeted, "It is an unimaginable and incredible task to rescue Sri Lanka from this economic crisis." The person who accomplished that unimaginable task is President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Just as saving the country from the civil war was a great achievement, rescuing it from the economic war is also a significant victory. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has a clear vision. Sri Lanka is the only country in recent history to recover from an economic crisis, and the leadership behind that recovery was provided by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. In this context, you must decide whether to give another person a chance to take the country backward or to support the continuation of the work initiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. As you make this decision, I ask you to remember where you were and how you were two years ago at this time.
State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna:
The future of our country will be determined by this Presidential Election. That is why the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in this election. Over the past two years, we have witnessed first-hand how the country's economy collapsed and how it was revived within two years. Anyone who has experienced this would have no doubt in supporting President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Many countries around the world have faced such bitter experiences. Reviving a collapsed country requires strong leadership. In the past two years, Parliament has passed 84 bills, including significant legislation on economic growth, anti-corruption, and the independence of the Central Bank. Today, presidential candidates are making various promises. In 2015, a "Maithree" government was promised, but the country regressed. In 2019, Gotabaya was brought in for national security, and that too failed. So, let's not make the same mistake this time. I urge you to act with a clear conscience and support President Ranil Wickremesinghe to achieve victory.
Minister Nalin Fernando:
This time, we are facing the most challenging Presidential Election in Sri Lanka's history. A political leader's failure led to the collapse of the country, and it was President Ranil Wickremesinghe who rescued it. There is no need to discuss the other two candidates running in this election; they accepted their defeat two years ago.
The era of promise-driven politics is over. Two years ago, Sri Lanka had the highest inflation rate in the world. But today, the rupee has strengthened against the dollar, and prices have been reduced. There is no challenge too great for a formidable leader to overcome. That is why President Ranil Wickremesinghe is running in this Presidential Election as a victorious candidate who has already conquered challenges.
Former Minister Harin Fernando;
As it has been decided, a three-way election battle will take place on September 21st. I would describe it as a contest between a leader who saved the nation and one who saved individual lives. NPP led by JVP claim that the NPP has already been set, and victory is certain. But let's consider who Anura’s supporters are? Can someone like Sunil Handunnetti go abroad, negotiate debt with the IMF, and resolve these critical issues?
People might recall the time when the chit system was introduced. Fuel was provided through QR codes, and within a month or two, everything returned to normal. The airport was even closed to foreigners. Can you imagine the country being in such a state today?
Why continue experimenting when so much is at stake? We've tried experiments before, and it left us with nothing. Don’t fall into the same trap during the day that caught us at night. Sri Lanka needs a leader with the experience and maturity that the current situation demands.
I want to say something about Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. By now, he knows that he's the one who brought people in by the busloads, but he's only deceiving himself. He speaks only to those who have always supported him. We remember how Sajith Premadasa would always showcase large crowds, claiming he would win.
Therefore, I urge you to dedicate your support and full effort over the next 22 days to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who saved the country. Otherwise, we may find ourselves suffering for another five years, with the risk of standing in queues again within six months.
Former Minister Rajitha Senarathne;
Thirty-eight candidates, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, are contesting the upcoming presidential election. The amount of money Anura and Sajith are pouring into their campaigns gives an idea of how many people are vying for the presidency. Yet, when the country was in deep crisis, no one stepped up to take charge. No one accepted power when it was offered. Historically, the leaders of the capitalist class have never handed power to the working class, but even when the presidency was handed to them on a platter, they refused.
Despite this, today they have the opportunity to run for president, thanks to the changes President Ranil Wickremesinghe made in this country. He stabilized the economy, and if we make the wrong choice in the next presidential election, this country could become the next Greece. It took Greece 12 years to recover from its economic crisis. Countries like Lebanon, Argentina, and Ethiopia are still struggling with bankruptcy. Considering this, isn't it remarkable that our country overcame its economic crisis in such a short time? That's why the IMF advised Ethiopia to adopt President Ranil Wickremesinghe's approach. Today, he is praised worldwide.
MP Nimal Lanza;
Who was it that turned the country around in just two years? That was President Ranil Wickremesinghe. When the country was in crisis, and Sajith was asked to step up, did he? Did Anura? No, it was Ranil Wickremesinghe who came forward, alone. Remember that, and be grateful. Think back to whom stood by us when we had no way to travel, no fuel, no gas, no fertilizers, or medicines.
If the country falls again, there’s no stopping it from slipping back into that same state. Sajith and Anura didn’t step up to take over when the country was in need. But Ranil Wickremesinghe, with only a single seat in parliament, fearlessly took the lead. Today, tourists are returning, and we have fuel, gas, and medicine in abundance. Schools are open, and exams are being held. Isn’t this what we all wanted?
Countries can’t be saved by merely criticizing and spreading lies. Building a nation also requires strong international relations. Does Anura Kumara have the global connections that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has?
Experience and wisdom are essential. Anura Kumara can only criticize and point fingers. After President Ranil Wickremesinghe wins the upcoming presidential election, no one will be able to stop the tremendous progress and development of this country.
Religious leaders led by Maha Sangha, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, State Minister Sisira Jayakody, MPs Sahan Pradeep, Kokila Gunawardena, and Milan Jayathilaka, along with Senior Presidential Advisor on Climate Change Ruwan Wijayawardena, former Provincial Council Member Dilshan Jayawardena, and number of political leaders were present.
