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President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that postal voting for the upcoming presidential election began today, with positive reports already coming in. He expressed gratitude to the public servants who participated in postal voting, supporting the government's nation-building efforts.
Highlighting that Sajith Premadasa is unlikely to win the election and that his misguided actions only bolster Anura's support, the President urged all UNP members to fulfill their duty to protect the country and work together for its future.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during a victory rally held today (04) at Mahiyanganaya Public Stadium. The event, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, was organized to reinforce his bid for the upcoming presidential election. He further stated that he is running as an independent candidate this year, free from party divisions, to continue the country's progress and create a better future for its citizens.
Addressing the public rally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated:
"Postal voting began today, and we've received positive news. I want to thank everyone who voted for me. Two years ago, few believed it would be possible to hold an election like this.
I don’t need to remind you of the chaos our country faced back then with shortages of fuel, gas, and medicine, with violence spreading across the nation. The economic hardships severely impacted the people.
Despite the challenges, I always believed this election should take place, and those who stood with me shared that belief. We began our efforts under the theme of creating a Sri Lanka where elections could be held.
Today, we've come before the people to establish economic stability in the country. We now have gas, fuel, and medicine, and prices have decreased. There are no longer shortages, and we can take some satisfaction in that progress.
However, our goal is to make this economic stability permanent and to build a new economic system in the country. We have developed a program in consultation with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the 18 countries that have provided us with loans. It is up to the people in this presidential election to decide whether to continue this program or not.
I understand the challenges faced by the people of this country. We've reduced the cost of goods and provided relief, but there is still more to be done to ease the burden of daily life. I'm asking for your mandate to continue these efforts.
This year, I ran for the presidency as an independent candidate, free from party divisions, with the goal of completing the initiatives we've begun and creating a better future for our citizens. We believe that the burden of the cost of living and taxes must be further reduced, but this can't be achieved all at once. We must rebuild our broken economy step by step, with the support of the international community. To this end, we've outlined our future plans through the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" program.
We've initiated the agriculture modernization program to uplift our farmers. While others talk about food security, we've already started implementing it. They offer subsidies that perpetuate poverty, but I aim to eradicate poverty, empower farmers, and shift the country toward an export-driven agricultural economy. We are the ones driving the necessary change for our nation.
Like Australia and New Zealand, we should guide our farming population toward an export economy, sending our produce abroad to earn foreign exchange. Other candidates are stuck in outdated politics, but we are thinking ahead and moving forward. I invite everyone to join us on this journey.
Sajith Premadasa cannot defeat Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The political competition in this country has always been between two main figures, whether for the position of Prime Minister or President. As Prime Minister, you must lead your party, and as Opposition Leader, you must ensure that no one else becomes the candidate. When I was Opposition Leader, I didn't allow that, and neither did Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. We joined the good governance government—something Sajith Premadasa should have done as well. Anura Kumara Dissanayake has now become a threat to Sajith, who wasted time with lengthy speeches in Parliament. Sajith cannot defeat Anura, who gains support from Sajith's missteps.
Therefore, I urge all members of the United National Party to fulfill their true responsibilities and work together for the country.”
State Minister Dilum Amunugama,
Dilum Amunugama, who was once a close ally of Mahinda Rajapaksa, now stands in support of President Ranil Wickremesinghe because of his efforts to lead the country to victory in the economic crisis. Back in 2005, Mahinda Rajapaksa took action to end the war against terrorism, and we stood by him.
In 2015, we supported the movement “Mahinda Sulanga” that eventually brought Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the presidency. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, these leaders were unable to move the country forward. The people were forced to suffer, waiting in long queues, with power cuts extending up to 13 hours. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was an inexperienced politician, which led the country into a difficult period. As a result, the opposition was invited to take charge, but they were not prepared to do so. At a time when neither the government nor the opposition was ready to take responsibility, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was then a lone MP in Parliament, stepped up to take control. He made tough decisions and rescued the country, and for that, we must express our gratitude.
When Ranil Wickremesinghe took over, the treasury was nearly empty. However, he managed to negotiate with International Monetary Fund (IMF), secure funds, and ensure the supply of fuel, food, and medicine. Today, if you look at Pakistan and Bangladesh, they are still facing economic crises. But Ranil Wickremesinghe was able to resolve Sri Lanka's crisis within two years. He is now running in this Presidential Election as a leader who has proven to the world that he can work for the country and overcome challenges.
MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake;
The Mahiyangana seat holds significant historical value. In 1994, when the UNP won every seat across the country, Mahiyangana was the only seat it lost. Observing the turnout in Mahiyangana today, it seems certain that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be inaugurated as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka on the 22nd September. Today is the postal voting day, and surveys indicate that President Wickremesinghe has secured 75%t of the postal votes cast. It is evident that President Wickremesinghe is well-regarded for his service to government employees.
Samantha Vidyaratna is speaking today as though he were responsible for the construction of Sorabora Lake. The JVP leaders, who have achieved little, are now discussing national development. In 2004, Samantha Vidyaratne was elected to Parliament with a majority from the Badulla district. Yet, what tangible benefits did the people of Badulla receive from him? As Sunil knows, Badulla residents are not easily fooled. New drivers won’t be entrusted with navigating the 18 bends, and similarly, Sri Lanka’s economy, currently akin to navigating 18 treacherous turns, needs someone with proven experience. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with his extensive experience and capability, is best suited to steer the country through these challenges.
Former Minister Harin Fernando;
Your vote in this presidential election is crucial. The JVP has altered its voting symbol to a compass, but despite this change, their core issues remain the same. The public remembers the state of the country two years ago, and government employees are acutely aware of the hardships they endured. Positive news is already emerging from the postal polls today. On September 22, the Badulla district will secure the victory of the “Gas Cylinder”. There is no need to replace Sri Lanka’s most experienced president while he is still serving the country. Therefore, we are confident of our victory in Badulla.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva;
Political parties have united without personal agendas to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory. It's unnecessary to recount President Wickremesinghe's extensive efforts over the past two years to revive the economy; had he not become President, Sri Lanka might have been in a situation as dire as Bangladesh. Two years ago, the JVP resorted to burning homes and destroying lives but did not step up to lead the country. Even when they held ministerial positions, they made no meaningful contributions to the nation. In contrast, other post-independence governments and ministers have made significant progress. This election will determine whether the country will be handed over to those who set it ablaze or to those who have worked to build it.
State Minister Vadivel Suresh, MP (Major) Sudarshana Denipitiya, Former PC member Anura Vidanagamage, Mahiyangana Seat SLFP Organizer Chamara Pradeep Udawatta, former Mahiyanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha chairman and UNP organizer Karu Weeraratne, number of political leaders and huge crowds were attend at the rally.
