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President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the opposition aimed to halt the initiative designed to advance the country by providing relief to the people. Despite this, the government has focused on easing the burden on people’s lives over the past two years. By 2025/2026, the President assured, the government will have created better living conditions for all citizens.
The President urged all Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims to unite in working towards this goal. He emphasized that ensuring the well-being of the people is not a violation of fundamental rights and affirmed his readiness to make any necessary decisions for their benefit.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement while addressing the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally at the Kallady Shivananda National School Stadium in Batticaloa today (24).
A large number of people from the Batticaloa district attended the public rally and warmly welcomed the President.
A notable presence at the event was Mr. Sivalingam, a teacher from Royal College who had taught President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
During his address, the President recalled a lesson from his teacher, attributing his success to a lesson from the Royal College regarding the Emperors of Athens, “We will not bring disgrace to our city, by any act of cowardice or desert our suffering comrades in the ranks” The President highlighted how he overcame the challenge of leading the country and advancing the economy when others were unwilling to take on the task.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further remarked:
"Mr. Sivalingam, who taught me at Royal College, is on the stage today. He is not only my teacher but also that of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Therefore, he deserves part of the credit for helping recover the country from the economic crisis.
He also taught Mr. Anura Bandaranaike and Mr. Malik Samarawickrama. At Royal College, we had the privilege of learning about the oath of the youth Athenian Empires.
“We will not bring disgrace to our city, by any act of cowardice or desert our suffering comrades in the ranks”, this inspiration guided me in 2022 when I took on the challenge of leading the country, a responsibility that no one else was willing to accept, and worked to advance the nation's economy. I embraced the challenge of building a better future for the youth by advocating for the people and providing relief. This is why we confidently say, "Puluwan Sri Lanka."
I took on this challenge during a difficult period. At that time, the opposition leader who had no such guiding teacher fled. Although the opposition Leader was the alternative Prime Minister, he abandoned the people in their time of need. Similarly, Anura Kumara Dissanayake was also missing.
Despite these challenges, we proceeded with our program in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We faced tough decisions, as printing money or taking loans from local banks was not an option. We reduced costs and increased VAT to generate revenue, which ultimately strengthened the rupee.
We also launched the ‘Aswesuma’ program, increasing allowances for kidney patients and disabled persons by 50%. We provided extensive relief, including a Rs.10,000 allowance for government employees. Currently, we are implementing measures based on the Udaya Seneviratne Committee report.
Starting from 2025, it has been proposed to provide a monthly living expense allowance of Rs. 25,000 rupees to government employees, which we accept. Following this, the starting monthly salary will be Rs. 55,000, inclusive of living expenses. Additionally, an interim pension allowance of Rs. 3,000 has been granted. The interest rate for senior citizen fixed deposits below 1 million has been increased from 8.5% to 10%. The allowance for pre-school teachers has been raised to Rs. 5,000.
Under the “Urumaya” program, we are granting free land rights to 2 million people. Furthermore, 250,000 individuals residing in government flats in Colombo have been given housing rights. Villages are also being established in plantation areas, and land rights are being allocated to the residents. Although the “Urumaya” program was paused due to the election, work must proceed swiftly. Therefore, a separate authority will be established by law to complete the program within the next three years.
Thanks to the measures we've implemented over the past two years, the cost of living for the people has decreased. Since July 2022, the price of red dhal has fallen by 41%, wheat flour by 29%, and chicken by 11%. Fuel prices have also seen significant reductions: diesel prices are down by 28%, and gas prices have decreased by 31%. Specifically, the price of diesel has dropped from Rs. 450 to Rs. 317, while the minimum bus fare has been reduced from Rs. 40 rupees to Rs. 28. Gas prices have fallen from Rs. 5,370 rupees to Rs. 3,600.
To symbolize this progress, I used to select the gas cylinder as my election symbol. I am committed to providing further relief and continuing to reduce the living burden on the people.
This program, which has been in place for two years, needs to continue for several more years to achieve its full potential. We are focusing on developing export industries and boosting tourism, with growth from Verugal to Batticaloa and the construction of small and large-scale hotels. The tourism sector is expanding from Kalmunai to Arugambay in the Ampara district. Additionally, we are implementing modernization programs in agriculture and fisheries to increase household incomes.
However, the opposition leader claims that the agreements we made with the International Monetary Fund should be altered. These agreements are crucial and cannot be changed; any alterations would result in the cessation of aid and could lead to another economic collapse and the return of long queues. The opposition's lack of understanding of how to advance the country is evident, as they did not support our efforts.
In 2023, I had to prioritize using available funds for public relief rather than holding elections. Despite opposition claims and legal challenges accusing me of avoiding elections, my focus remained on providing relief. This approach has eliminated queues and contributed to a rise in our gross domestic product. No other country has emerged from bankruptcy as quickly as we have.
The opposition sought to halt this program, leading to a court decision against me, claiming I had violated fundamental rights. However, ensuring the well-being of the people is not a violation of basic rights. I am committed to serving the people and fulfilling my responsibilities as President by addressing their needs, advancing the country, and securing a better future for generations to come.
Let us all move forward together. Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims must unite to propel the country ahead. By 2025, 2026, I aim to build a prosperous future for the people of this nation. On September 21, vote for the gas cylinder to safeguard your future and contribute to the nation's development.
Minister Bandula Gunawardhena,
As a political leader of the Batticaloa District, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan has made significant contributions to the development of the Eastern Province, particularly in improving infrastructure.
It is important to recognize that the upcoming Presidential Election is crucial for confirming the country's democracy and advancing the development of the people. In 2022, the nation endured significant suffering due to the violent actions of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, with some protesters even attempting to set fire to Parliament. During this uncontrolled time, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe courageously protected Parliament and upheld the rule of law and democracy in the country.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa, who withdrew during the country’s crisis, have no moral right to contest the Presidential election. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has created an environment where elections can be held, and people can live without fear or uncertainty. Due to his true leadership, the majority of political parties in this country are supporting the common candidate, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in this Presidential Election. No one can prevent President Wickremesinghe, who rescued the country from the economic crisis and safeguarded the people's sovereignty, from being re-elected with the support of 70% of the electorate.
Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa is currently spreading false propaganda about the state of the economy. I challenge him to immediately present a plan to the country on how he intends to secure funding for the 2025 budget.
State Minister S. Viyalanderan,
You understand why President Ranil Wickremesinghe must win this election. Two years ago, our country plunged into a severe economic recession. Many believed that Sri Lanka could not recover, even in a hundred years—they thought the nation was beyond saving. On that day, the political leaders we trusted either fled the country or went into hiding. When the former President called on them to take charge, none of those politicians were willing to step up.
When Sajith Premadasa visited the protest site, he was attacked by the protesters and driven away, fleeing more swiftly than the world’s fastest runner, Usain Bolt. In contrast. Anura Kumara Dissanayake faced no such issues at the protest site. Sajith Premadasa’s attempt to politicize the situation highlighted that Anura Kumara Dissanayake was not the source of the problem. Ultimately, no one stepped forward to offer a solution.
During the crisis, the only queues across the country were for gas, fuel, and kerosene. Despite having money, essential goods were unavailable.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped forward as the leader who brought light to dispel the country's darkness.
We cannot forget his contribution. That is why today, the people of this country have united in their support for President Wickremesinghe. To effectively govern the country over the next five years, we need a leader with experience, intelligence, knowledge, and strong international connections.
I want to emphasize that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader with the necessary qualifications. His election symbol, the 'Gas Cylinder,' carries significant importance. Voting for the Gas Cylinder means ensuring that Gas Cylinders will be available at home. Conversely, if you do not support this symbol, you may find yourself searching for Gas Cylinders on the streets. This is the reality. Therefore, will you choose to vote for the Gas Cylinder and ensure its availability at home, or will you face the challenge of searching for Gas Cylinders without casting your vote?
Leader of Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal Party State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan,
"Two years ago, the country was thrown into chaos by the economic crisis and widespread unrest. I was deeply ashamed for having supported the appointment of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the President. It was President Ranil Wickremesinghe who stepped forward to rescue the country from that dire situation, and we supported his appointment as President.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed several key projects in agriculture, fisheries, and industries for the development of the Eastern Province. We must seize this opportunity. That’s why we are going door to door, rallying the people of the Eastern Province to ensure President Wickremesinghe’s success. By doing so, we can secure a brighter future for both our district and the President’s vision for the country."
