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President Ranil Wickremesinghe requested Sri Lanka’s youth not to forfeit their future opportunities by supporting “Malimawa” (JVP led by NPP) and Anura Kumara. The President highlighted that despite his request for clarification on Anura Kumara’s economic policies—which he argues are leading to shortages—he has yet to receive a response even after three days.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the country's economy and preventing a return to shortages that would burden the people’s lives. He made these remarks during the "Ranil ta Puluwan" rally held in Puttalam today (13).
In a special tribute, the President was honoured with a motor cycle display on water, created by a local young innovator from Puttalam, alongside the national flag in the Puttalam lagoon. This gesture highlighted the ingenuity and support of the youth in the region.
The President announced that, due to the strengthening of the country’s foreign exchange reserves, the Cabinet has approved lifting the temporary ban on importing automobiles and non-mechanical automobile spare parts. Additionally, as part of the government’s relief program for taxpayers, the Cabinet has also approved a revision of the Personal Income Tax (PIT) structure, set to take effect in April 2025.
I recently learned about the innovative motor cycle display on water by a young man in the Puttalam lagoon. This kind of ingenuity is exactly what I hope to nurture in our youth, empowering them to achieve great things on the global stage. Additionally, I want to emphasize that the Kalpitiya Economic Centre and Fishing Harbour projects will move forward as planned.
Former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara has accused me of launching a smear campaign against him in Kandy. However, if his economic policies were enacted, they could lead to the value of the dollar rising to 400 rupees, and if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were to withdraw from our agreement, it could reach Rs.500.
Our budget was crafted in alignment with our election manifesto, unlike the alternative budget which conflicts with our IMF agreement. Their proposed budget gap of 400 billion includes 100 billion from GDP and a 300 billion shortfall that would breach IMF conditions. Borrowing to cover this gap would devalue the rupee, risking economic collapse. Adhering to IMF agreements is crucial for protecting the value of our currency and maintaining economic stability.
The cost of living has been rising, placing a heavier burden on the people compared to the time of former Gotabaya Rajapaksa's administration. Under the economic policies proposed by former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the NPP, the rupee is unlikely to strengthen and is instead continuing to depreciate. I questioned Anura Kumara on whether he could safeguard the rupee, and whether he is capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the presidency if he cannot.
I urge the public to consider why they would vote for leaders who exacerbate the cost of living. The economic strategy of the “Malimawa” imposes significant hardships on the people. I wonder if there is any regret over this approach.
Recall the food, fuel, gas, and medicine shortages of 2022. Did Anura Kumara not feel dismayed by the suffering of the people? His policies seem to threaten a return to such shortages.
This inquiry is not a smear tactic but a genuine question about whether NPP and former Minister Anura Kumara have the capability to lead the country’s economy effectively.
I have worked hard to rebuild the economy, making difficult decisions to advance it. I had hoped to provide relief to the people soon, and we have seen a reduction in the prices of goods in recent months. Government employees received allowances, and there were wage increases in the private sector. We have gradually alleviated the people's burdens and are committed to further easing their lives.
With the strengthening of our foreign exchange reserves, we have decided to lift the import ban on cars, allowing them to be brought back into Sri Lanka.
We have raised the basic tax threshold for taxpayers from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 720,000. As their income increases, the amount they pay in taxes will decrease. This is a significant step we have taken to benefit taxpayers.
In contrast, I question whether people are willing to entrust their future to the “Malimawa”, which lacks a clear economic policy. Without a proper explanation, it seems that the “Malimawa”, does not have the strength to effectively build this country.
I have inquired with Anura Kumara whether his economic policy focuses on imports or exports, but after three days, I have yet to receive a response.
Recently, several young people came to speak with me, including supporters of both my administration and the “Malimawa”. When I asked why they support the “Malimawa”, they responded that they believe in giving them a chance. I questioned whether they are willing to gamble with their future. They replied that they do not wish to risk their future, expressing a desire to avoid returning to past difficulties. I urge those considering Anura Kumara to reflect on whether this is not, in fact, risking their future.
Therefore, I encourage you to vote for the “Gas Cylinder” on September 21, supporting the program that will secure and build your future.
Today, powerful members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, such as Rajitha Senaratne, Kumara Welgama and A.H.M. Fowzie, stand on the platform of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Winning the Presidential Election is important, but what is more critical is governing the country afterward. Although Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected President with 6.9 million votes, he was unable to effectively govern the country. The country experienced 13-hour power cuts, along with fuel, food, gas and medicine shortages.
At that time, Gotabaya Rajapaksa invited Sajith Premadasa to take over the country. However, the economic experts of the SJB did not step forward to help the people in their time of need. The only one who came forward to ease the people's suffering was President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Sajith Premadasa speaks of his "team," but a team that wasn't present during the crisis serves no purpose after the crisis ends ("What use is a sword in times of peace?"). The people cannot expect the leaders now vying to govern the country after Ranil Wickremesinghe has stabilized the economy to ease their hardships.
According to the budget proposed by economic experts from the National People’s Power (NPP) led by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), if the country moves forward with their plan, the value of the dollar could rise to Rs. 600. Today, we are receiving fertilizer subsidies, a good harvest, and salary increments for government employees.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe does not need the country, but the country needs President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership. At this moment, the country does not need a leader for experiments.
The Puttalam District has always played a decisive role in the country's electoral history. The candidate who wins in the Puttalam District inevitably wins the Presidential Election. Therefore, today I confidently declare before you that Ranil Wickremesinghe will be the President today, tomorrow, and in the future.
When the country was bankrupt, President Wickremesinghe took over and restored economic stability. He also appointed 3,000 teachers to the Puttalam District, provided relief through the ‘Aswesuma’ program, and granted clear land ownership rights to the people through the ‘Urumaya’ program. In this Presidential election, the people of Puttalam are committed to ensuring victory with the largest voter turnout in history.
The people of our district, including Anamaduwa, Puttalam, and the electorates of Chilaw, Wennappuwa, and Naththandiya, are coming together to secure a victory for President Ranil Wickremesinghe from the Puttalam District by a majority of 75,000 votes on the 21st. I request you to recognize the people of the Puttalam District as part of your victory.
On the 21st, we will re-elect Ranil Wickremesinghe as the President of this country. Thousands of people from Puttalam have gathered today to give him the strength to achieve this. If another uprising occurs in this country, all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, will suffer its consequences.
Puttalam is a district that represents a mix of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. Any issue in Puttalam affects everyone. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has promised to elevate the Puttalam Hospital to District Hospital status and to turn Kalpitiya into an economic hub.
For all these achievements to be realized, we must first re-elect him as President. I urge all of you to join this effort.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been a pivotal leader in revitalizing our nation and liberating its people from past oppression. As the election approaches, it is anticipated that by the morning of the 22nd, all five electorates in the Puttalam district will be secured in his victory. We will uphold our responsibility and demonstrate to the nation that the people of Puttalam recognize your achievements, care deeply about the country, and are committed to its development.
MP Jagath Priyankara;
Today, thousands of Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims assembled in Puttalam city, sending a unified message: they are eager to celebrate the victory of the President who has successfully managed the nation's economy and improved living conditions.
These individuals firmly believe that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader capable of building a stable economy and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. I urge everyone to dedicate themselves fully in the coming days to ensure this leadership prevails.
During the height of the economic crisis, many of today’s presidential candidates withdrew, claiming they were unable to take on the country's challenges. In contrast, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped up, addressing the crisis by providing essential support to the people and restoring economic stability.
Currently, he is focused on enhancing Puttalam district, with plans to develop it into a prominent tourist destination, upgrade Puttalam Hospital, and improve the road between Puttalam and Mannar. With these efforts, the President's victory represents not only a triumph for the nation but also a significant achievement for the Puttalam district.
After twenty years in parliamentary service, I am here today to affirm President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory. As someone who has learned and grown in politics under his guidance, I am unafraid to stand firm in the right place. The wisdom and experience gained from his leadership are invaluable.
Thanks to President Wickremesinghe's astute economic management, we have moved past the era of shortages and stabilized the economy. His vision is clear: over the next five years, we must work towards creating a resilient economy that will not falter again.
Leaders from all backgrounds have come together on this stage for the good of the country. While some have betrayed national interests for personal gain, today we proudly stand with a leader who has championed the well-being of all Sri Lankans, regardless of race, religion, or caste.
This country needs a leader capable of addressing the people's problems, and President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only presidential candidate who can meet that need. He doesn't require an additional five years to stabilize the economy; I am confident he will achieve this within four years.
I urge everyone to head to the polling station on the 21st and vote the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. When he triumphs on the 22nd, I ask you all to take pride in being part of that success.
The event was attended by notable figures including religious leaders led by Maha Sangha, former Chairman of Puttalam Pradeshiya Sabha Anjana Sandaruwan, Puttalam District UNP Organizer Moses J. Sudasan, former Provincial Minister Sandhya Rajapaksa, former PC member Ehia Abdin, Nathandiya UNP Regional Organizer Roshan Lo, as well as regional political leaders, organizers, and constituency representatives.
