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President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that he will present his manifesto, outlining his plan and vision to build a new Sri Lanka, on Thursday, August 29, including initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for everyone and ensuring a safe environment for the youth of Sri Lanka. He made this announcement while addressing the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally held near the Mawanella bus station earlier today (27).
A large crowd from the Mawanella area attended the rally, warmly welcoming the President. Notably, a group of activists, including Mr. Prasanna Indika, the organizer of the Mawanella Aluthnuwara Division of the National People's Power, came forward to express their support for the President. Additionally, members of the Mawanella branch of the Retired Army Group also showed their backing for President Wickremesinghe's initiatives and praised his efforts to boost the country's industries.
In his speech, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of continuing the country's progress, likening it to crossing a vine bridge and warned that cutting the bridge would result in the country falling into the raging river, highlighting the risks of abandoning the current path.
The President also criticized the manifesto of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), noting that reducing tax revenues would lead to a decrease of over Rs. 200 billion in state revenue. He argued that, under such circumstances, it would be impossible to lower the prices of goods, as the JVP suggests. He questioned how the JVP plans to manage the economy with reduced income while increasing expenses, implying that their economic strategy lacks feasibility, and noted that they are misleading the public because they don't understand how to do the math.
Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe further stated:
“In the past, I addressed a political gathering in Mawanella specifically for the United National Party. Today, however, I am here to speak on behalf of all parties. My mentor, former President J.R. Jayawardene, taught us that when the country is in crisis, we must put aside party politics and prioritize the nation's well-being.
In 1971, during the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna uprising, he, as the leader of the opposition, declared his support for the government to protect our democratic system. Even when the secretary of our party’s youth wing and Mr. Jayawardene’s own son were taken into custody, he emphasized that those issues should be addressed later. The immediate priority was to save the country. Our political history is filled with such instances. Therefore, we must unite across party lines in times of national difficulty.
Today, representatives from various parties have come together. I urge members of the United National Party to remember the examples set by J.R. Jayawardene and Ranasinghe Premadasa: think of the country before party politics. If anyone accuses me of joining hands with other parties, I declare that person is not a true member of the United National Party.
The Leader of the Opposition is supposed to be the alternative Prime Minister. Yet, when the country faced hardship, he refused to take responsibility. By doing so, he demonstrated that he is not a true member of the United National Party.
In the past, we faced long queues for gas and oil, and violence gripped the nation. Everyone suffered. I took over leadership to end that suffering, and I received support from many for this cause. As a result, I was able to start the recovery process.
Today, we are successfully progressing towards economic stability. We are actively working to alleviate the burdens on people’s lives and provide relief. Our goal is to stabilize the economy and transition to an export-driven economy. This is the only way we can win this battle and build a prosperous future for our children.
To achieve this, we must continue on our current path and cross the vine bridge; we cannot afford to abandon it. Some people suggest stopping tax collection, which would decrease the country's revenue. They propose cutting the rope of the bridge, but if the vine bridge is cut, our country will fall into the river. Therefore, we must decide whether to continue on the vine bridge or sever it.
According to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) manifesto, reducing tax revenue would lead to a loss of over Rs. 200 billion for the country. How will these expenses be covered if they cut the vine bridge? They claim that while government revenue decreases, the prices of goods will also be reduced. However, without understanding the basic principle that you cannot reduce revenue while increasing expenses, they risk cutting the vine bridge from both sides, misleading the public in the process.
I have read the JVP manifesto, and I urge everyone to read it as well. It would take at least two to three months to go through it all, yet we need to vote on September 21.
Our goal is to continue without abandoning the journey across the vine bridge. We must establish economic stability and ensure its benefits reach the people. Beyond developing an export-driven economy, we will work towards reducing the prices of goods once economic stability is achieved. After that, taxes can gradually be reduced. Although this approach may seem disadvantageous to me, people need to know the truth.
We have already passed the necessary laws to establish this economy; now, they just need to be implemented. However, others do not have a clear plan. Today, even the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) lacks a coherent policy. On one hand, Harsha de Silva presents one policy, while on the other, Nalaka Godahewa proposes another. There is only internal conflict and disagreement within that party.
This Thursday, I will present our plan and vision for a new Sri Lanka to the nation. Our program aims to create a better quality of life for all citizens and develop a strong economy for the youth. Let's move forward together.”
Minister Ali Sabri PC:
We are approaching a pivotal election. While winning is important, it is equally crucial to focus on how to govern effectively after the election.
In 2019, we supported President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with 6.9 million votes. However, we all witnessed the subsequent hardships and challenges. There was a lack of leadership in the Ministry of Finance, and when I was asked to take charge, I engaged in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They advised involving all key stakeholders for the country’s benefit. We reached out to the Leader of the Opposition and others, but they chose to prioritize their own interests over the nation.
In contrast, current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, despite being just one Member of Parliament, accepted the challenge fearlessly when invited. The positive results of his leadership are evident today. Therefore, I urge everyone to unite, regardless of race, religion, or caste, to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory on September 21. As President, he is committed to protecting all citizens equally.
State Mminister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya;
There is no doubt that President Ranil Wickremesinghe saved this country from plunging into an economic abyss. Today, 39 candidates are contesting the presidential election. But what would have happened if President Wickremesinghe had not stepped up during the immense crisis the nation faced? The people of this country have not forgotten. In a recent small group meeting, I posed this question, and an elderly mother replied, "If he hadn’t been there, we would have died." This sentiment resonates deeply with the people of this country. On September 21, the silent, innocent citizens are preparing to show their respect for President Ranil Wickremesinghe. I believe the ordinary people of this country are ready to support him with a record number of votes because they know they owe their survival to him.
From my interactions with President Wickremesinghe during this period, I have come to realize that no one else could have done what he has done. We, who once felt trapped in a well, now see the light at the top. Among the 39 candidates, not one possesses the experience, education, or ability to communicate directly with the international community to lead this country out of its challenges. So, let’s do all we can, safeguard our nation’s pride, and achieve a historic victory for President Ranil Wickremesinghe on September 22.
State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya;
In 2022, when we travelled abroad, we were asked, "Do you have food? Is there medicine? Is there fuel? How can we help?" Those were times of deep embarrassment for us. But today, when we represent our country on the international stage, the questions have changed. Now, they ask how we managed to achieve such significant economic growth in just two and a half years. How did Sri Lanka recover so quickly? I have two answers to that.
First, we found a leader with the right leadership qualities. I encountered a leader with a clear vision. I'm proud to say that we were able to turn this country around in such a short time because of that leader's program. My second answer is our foreign relations.
Today, thanks to President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership, we have strong foreign relations with all nations. This allowed us to negotiate with 18 foreign countries and achieve successful debt restructuring in a remarkably short period. That is the difference that leadership makes. Only one leader has such foreign relations, and that leader is President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
State Minister Kanaka Herath:
"Mr. President, in a very short time, you have made significant contributions to the Kegalle district by establishing economic, social, and political stability. We are grateful for your efforts. Additionally, you have initiated much-needed rural development activities in Kegalle, which had been neglected for years. The establishment of a faculty from Kurunegala University in Pinnawela for our district's youth is a testament to your commitment to their future. Our youth represent the future of our country, and parents hope to see a better future for them.
A comrade from the JVP who joined us today emphasized the importance of supporting a leader who can secure a future for our youth. We believe that you are that leader, and we are committed to ensuring your victory in the upcoming Presidential Election. Our goal is to secure the highest percentage of votes for you from the Kegalle district. According to recent surveys, you are leading in this area. Therefore, we will strive to achieve the highest percentage for you in Mawanella.
The choice before us is clear: should we support a leader who has demonstrated his ability and commitment or should we opt for those who only boast and avoid taking on challenges? The decision rests with the people.
MP Udayakantha Gunathilaka;
We recall the situation in the country two years ago when President Ranil Wickremesinghe, then a single MP, stepped forward to address the people's fears when no one else would. At that time, people had occupied key government buildings, including the Presidential secretariat, and were preparing to take over Parliament as well. Had Parliament been seized and set on fire, our country would not be able to hold presidential or other elections today. Instead, we would be ruled by guns and bayonets.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe changed the course of events and set the country on the right path. We remember the challenges of voting in 1971, as well as the violence and unrest in 1988 and 1989 when innocent people were killed and buried, and when the three armed forces struggled to fulfil their duties. Given this history, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s efforts to restore democracy are crucial. Therefore, we urge you to cast your vote for him, represented by the “Gas Cylinder, symbol for both his victory and the country’s future.
MP Sudath Manjula;
You all understand why today, we stand united with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to secure his victory, regardless of party affiliation. You also recognize why the President, who took on the challenge of steering the country out of an economic crisis, must fulfil his national duty. In Kegalle, all MPs are united in this effort.
Kegalle has always been a community that values gratitude and kindness. Today, we declare that we are ready to fulfil our duty and ensure President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory. On behalf of all of you, I affirm that we in Kegalle will work together to cast our votes for him on September 21, paving the way for genuine development and prosperity in this country.
MP Sarathi Dushmantha Mithrapala;
Member of Parliaments from nearly all major political parties in the country are present on this platform today. Their unified message is clear: on September 22, Prresident. Ranil Wickremesinghe will once again be appointed as the President of this country. Just last week, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya held a meeting in Mawanella. Today, three to four times as many people have gathered in Mawanella, signaling a strong indication that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is poised for victory.
While we may have our political differences, a greater national issue needs to be addressed. The country is on a path towards economic stability, and our people are not willing to risk further experiments. The agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is being successfully implemented. Can Anura Kumara, who has never even run a small business, manage this? He recently arrived at a rally in an Rs.50-60 million Prado, yet in the past, he spoke of a politics rooted in modesty, even driving a Maruti Alto. What has become of Anura Kumara today? When the public noticed this contradiction, he switched to arriving in a Hiace van at his next rally. The people are no longer easily deceived. They are now rallying behind President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Member of Parliament Rajika Wickramasinghe:
In 2022, when former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepped down and our country faced severe economic and developmental setbacks, most leaders retreated, unwilling to take responsibility. Only the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, stepped up to take charge. Political power is one of the hardest forms of power to assume, yet even when it was offered on a platter, no one else was willing to accept it. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider who you should support in the upcoming Presidential Election.
We must move beyond politics driven by hate and work towards creating a safe and developed country for our future generations. A wrong decision will have consequences for everyone. I urge you to go from village to village, from house to house, educating people about the importance of this election and the potential risks ahead. Let us unite to ensure the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and, through that, secure the future of our country.
MP Ishak Rahuman;
I ask you to consider this: Will you choose a leader who shies away from challenges or one who faces them head-on in the upcoming presidential election? Those who once retreated are now demanding power. They claimed that if President Ranil Wickremesinghe took charge, the country would sink into darkness and that the dollar would rise to Rs.2, 000. But today, we see those predictions were false.
Do you want to see Sri Lanka follow the path of Bangladesh? Be careful not to make a wrong decision in this election, because if you do, in six months, you could find yourself back on the streets, protesting once again.
Governor of North Central Province Mahipala Herath:
In this election, we have only a few key considerations. It saddens us to see the struggles in Bangladesh. When our country was in a similar situation—without global support and on the brink of collapse—the leader who now speaks of democracy abandoned us. Yet, despite the challenges, Ranil Wickremesinghe, with his political maturity and extensive international experience, stepped forward, led us, and began rebuilding our country without fear. We are here today because of his leadership. This is why we must entrust him with leadership for the next five years. Otherwise, we risk returning to a period of shortages—gas, fuel, food, even basic nourishment for our children.
Today, the SJB and NPP, which now make loud claims, were nowhere to be found then. This is something we must keep in mind. Among all the candidates, who has the experience, political wisdom, and international relationships that President Wickremesinghe possesses? The others who boast lack these crucial qualities. The promises made by others are mere stories to win votes. The only leader who speaks the truth is Ranil Wickremesinghe. Therefore, let us all unite, set aside our differences, and ensure a resounding victory for President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the 22nd.
Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Navin Dissanayake:
Today, we stand at a crucial historical moment. The leaders of our nation are chosen by your votes, and I urge you to consider this carefully. This election will determine the future of your children. In 2019, we cast our votes with hope, but our expectations were not met, and our dreams were shattered. However, as a country and as a nation, we are now united behind President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Everyone on this platform represents different political ideologies, yet we are united under one symbol, one leadership—President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership. We recognize and appreciate his leadership. Step by step, he has been leading our country forward. This is why leaders from various parties have placed their trust in him. Today, representatives from different parties, wearing different colours, have gathered here, reflecting the nation's support for President Wickremesinghe’s leadership beyond party affiliations.
