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President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" program aims to restore the country's economy to stability by 2025-2026. Speaking at the "Ranil ta Puluwan" (Ranil Can) victory rally in Gampola today (09), he criticized Sajith Premadasa for making unrealistic promises of free benefits, which he believes undermine the nation's economic health. He also accused Anura Dissanayake of attempting to dismantle the hard-earned economic progress.
During his address, President Wickremesinghe emphasized that, despite accusations from Sajith and Anura that he is protecting the Rajapaksas, his primary responsibility as president has been to safeguard the welfare of the people rather than any political faction.
The President further responded to claims that he was shielding the Rajapaksas, clarifying that his role is to protect the nation, not any political figure. Having diligently fulfilled this duty, he declared his intention to seek a renewed mandate in the upcoming presidential election to continue advancing the country’s development. His vision for national progress is encapsulated in the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" program.
Today, Gampola has witnessed the largest crowd I have ever seen. This turnout is a clear sign of our impending victory. I took on the presidency to ensure that the people of this country were fed and had access to essentials like fuel, gas, and medicine. Thanks to these efforts over the past two years, our citizens now have the chance to live freely.
When I assumed office, the nation was grappling with shortages and long queues. No other leader stepped up to address the crisis—Sajith and Anura abandoned the people in their time of need, fearing their inability to provide basic necessities.
In contrast, I ensured that these essentials were available. Now, some are labeling me 'Ranil Rajapaksa,' but if I had been protecting the Rajapaksas, they would be standing beside me today. My commitment has always been to protect the people, not any political figure. Sajith and Anura never supported my efforts. I invited them to join me in sustaining the nation, but they chose to tell different stories. Are they now asking to lead the country after abandoning it when it needed them most?
When I assumed leadership, the country was facing a bleak future. With the support of global leaders, we managed to stabilize and recover the economy. Despite significant challenges, we were able to gradually alleviate the hardships faced by our people by putting the economy back on track.
Today, the country boasts a healthier economy, and I am running for re-election to build on this progress. My plan includes advancing economic development, easing the burden on citizens, creating jobs, reducing taxes, and implementing the 'Urumaya' and 'Aswesuma' programs. We aim to transform the economy into one driven by exports.
I am confident that, with this program, we will restore economic stability by 2025-2026. Let us all move forward with the 'Puluwan Sri Lanka' program.
Meanwhile, Sajith is making promises of free benefits and may soon suggest that the government will provide money for goods, trivializing the economy. His economic policies should not be taken seriously.
Anura Dissanayake claims his presidency will bring prosperity and a better quality of life. Such promises are mere talk; he avoids confronting reality. Even with a well-planned budget, the economy could collapse again, leading to a rise in inflation to 25%.
Instead of engaging in idle chatter, they need to present realistic economic plans that offer a clear alternative. They should honestly address the challenges facing the people. If figures like Sunil Handunnetty and Harshana Suriyapperuma have suggestions, they need to explain them thoroughly.
Currently, there is no concrete economic plan from their side. Former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake could drive the country into an even more challenging situation than what was experienced during Gotabaya Rajapaksa's administration, further destabilizing the economy. Therefore, it is crucial to make an informed decision in the upcoming presidential election. I urge everyone to vote for the 'Gas Cylinder' on September 21 for a better future."
Today, the entire country is coming together to support the re-election of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The huge crowd, which has never participated in a Gampola rally before, is here today. The people of estate community are about to receive promising news—the long-awaited solution to the salary issue.
At a crucial moment for our country, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped up as an independent candidate. Although he was not in power at the time, he apologized to the Muslim community for the injustices they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has consistently stood up for the oppressed.
President Wickremesinghe has also addressed the long-standing housing problems of the plantation community. Despite doubts about the feasibility of his plan to replace line rooms with proper houses, he has delivered on his promise. On September 21, we will re-elect President Ranil Wickremesinghe. I urge you to cast your vote to “Gas Cylinder” and support him for a stable future.
In 2005, Sri Lanka faced its greatest challenge with a thirty-year civil war. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa took decisive action to end the conflict and bring peace to the nation. The next major crisis came with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, during which former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa worked tirelessly to protect public health. While he succeeded in saving lives, he struggled to address the severe economic downturn, leading to a national collapse. The Treasury was depleted, leaving the country without the funds needed for essential goods like fuel, food, and gas.
During this tumultuous period, Gotabaya Rajapaksa invited opposition leaders to step in and lead, but none were willing to take on the challenge. It was President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with just single seat in Parliament, who bravely assumed responsibility for the country. While Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake have recently made grand statements, they did not step forward to address the crisis when it was needed most.
Under President Wickremesinghe's leadership, the country has begun to recover, with progress made in providing essential needs and stabilizing the economy. His commitment to restoring Sri Lanka’s economic stability and preventing future collapse is evident.
As we face upcoming elections, it is crucial to recognize that leaders who rely on social media and empty promises lack concrete plans for the country’s recovery. Therefore, it is essential to re-elect President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the 9th Executive President on September 21st to continue his vital work for Sri Lanka’s future.
The largest political alliance in Sri Lanka’s history is now led by Ranil Wickremesinghe. Today, the people of Gampola have sent a clear message to the country: "Only Ranil can lead us forward." Sajith Premadasa is the only opposition leader in history who tried to auction off the Premiership.
Whenever a government falls, the opposition usually steps in. However, when the country faced an economic crisis, Sajith ran away when he was invited to take over the Premiership.
Today, people are talking about “Rata Andurata,” and if the NPP gains power, no one can prevent the country from descending into darkness. The NPP has no vision or plan to strengthen the economy.
On September 21st, we are confident that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be elected. He is a leader who can unite all Sri Lankans—Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim alike. The preliminary postal vote results from the Kandy District are promising, and we anticipate a favourable outcome for President Wickremesinghe in the overall results for the district.
As we gather here today, there is also a rally being held in Kandy by Sajith. Around a thousand people are present there. Looking at the crowd here in Gampola, I am confident that Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory will be resounding. In the last election, six MPs were elected from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). Five of them are now with President Wickremesinghe, while only one MP switched to Sajith’s camp. On the other hand, we have gained one MP from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Today, the largest alliance ever formed for an election is led by Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the SLPP, the United National Party (UNP), and the majority of the Muslim Congress are all with us. When Rauff Hakeem called for votes for Sajith at the Akurana stage, the crowd hooted him off.
Young people born after 1988 believe that the National People’s Power (NPP), led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), will emerge victorious. However, the NPP is neither capable of winning nor governing effectively. What occurred during the JVP uprisings of 1988-1989 was repeated in 2022 under the NPP. Under the symbol of Malimawa (compass), the NPP set fire to houses, and similarly, buses were also burnt. To win, the NPP would need seven million votes, requiring over 300,000 votes from each district, including 800,000 votes from Kandy and another 800,000 from Kurunegala. But Ranil Wickremesinghe has already started his campaign with four million votes in his pocket, while Anura Kumara Dissanayake is barely contesting with 1.5 million votes.
In 2022, there were 14-hour power cuts, and there was a shortage of food, fuel, and gas. The country’s economy had collapsed, and some people even fled the country. It was President Ranil Wickremesinghe who took over this collapsing nation, used his executive powers, and restored a peaceful environment while initiating an economic recovery plan. As a result, people now have access to all the essentials they need to live. The current economic stability was achieved because of Ranil Wickremesinghe.
This is not a Local Government election or a Parliamentary election. This is a Presidential election, where we are deciding who will hold executive power for the next five years. The question is whether we will return to the era of shortages. Ranil Wickremesinghe is running as an independent candidate and stepped forward after proving that his recovery plan works and that he can create an environment where people can live comfortably. Therefore, September 21st is the day that will determine the fate of this country. We will dedicate ourselves to ensuring the victory of the leader who saved us when we couldn’t repay our debts or even afford to eat.
Presidents who rise to power through social media often struggle with the practicalities of the presidency. This was evident during former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's term, who took office in 2019. As a result, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stands out as the only leader capable of effectively managing the economy. We should all unite in support to ensure his success.
The groups responsible for setting this country ablaze on May 9, 2022, are now seeking the presidency. They fail to realize that you can’t save a country by burning it down. In contrast, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has demonstrated how to rebuild the nation without resorting to such destructive methods. Therefore, I urge you to support the mission of restoring and advancing our country.
During the economic crisis, no leader was willing to step up to the presidency. Now, those same leaders are peddling empty promises and visions of a better future. However, the people know who has successfully managed the economy and helped restore the country—they’ve seen it first-hand. Sri Lanka needs this kind of effective leadership for the next five years. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader capable of building an economy that will stand strong and avoid collapse.
Whenever our motherland has faced crises, the person who has always extended a helping hand, without considering party or political affiliations, is none other than President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In 2022, when the country was bankrupt and in turmoil, it was President Ranil Wickremesinghe who provided the solution to the question of how we would survive. Let’s not forget that. As an opposition MP, I watched closely as he took on that responsibility.
Today, there are some who stand at street corners, making promises to win votes, the same people who ridiculed and mocked President Wickremesinghe when he asked them to join him in alleviating the suffering of the people. At that time, they didn’t feel your hunger. I watched in great disappointment at how they behaved.
When the leader who was elected with 6.9 million votes ran away, no one stepped forward to strengthen the hands of President Wickremesinghe, who took on the responsibility of protecting both the country and its people.
In this election campaign, he has completed 50% of the task. There is still another 50% left to finish. Today, there are inexperienced individuals seeking the country’s leadership. In such a situation, I urge you to elect President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a mature leader with experience who understands the people’s problems. I ask you to vote for him, vote for the Gas Cylinder on September 21st to ensure we continue the progress we have made.
A large gathering attended this event, including members of the Maha Sangha, clergy from other religions, former Provincial Council member Shanthini Kongahage, and former leaders and members of various political parties and local government institutions.
