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• No one would have imagined two years ago that we would be able to announce an increase in public sector salaries like today
• No candidate speaks about women's empowerment; however, we have passed the Women's Empowerment Law
• While others talk about corruption, we are taking action to prevent it
• Sajith can't win; they are merely extending a hand to Anura Kumara, like the princess in the 'Maname' Drama - President says in Ratnapura
President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led National People’s Power (NPP) to remove proposals related to increasing public sector salaries from their manifestos, stating that this work has already been completed. He noted that two years ago, no one would have believed that he would be able to stand on a platform today and announce that public sector wages had been increased, emphasizing that he consistently fulfills his promises, unlike other leaders who merely make promises on stage.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while addressing the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally held in the Pelmadulla area today (03). A large crowd attended this public event, organized to endorse President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory in the upcoming presidential election.
In his speech, President Wickremesinghe further asserted that Sajith Premadasa cannot win the upcoming presidential election. He compared the opposition’s actions to the play "Maname," suggesting that they are handing over the victory to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and he urged members of the United National Party (UNP) not to let this happen.
Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented, stating:
"Today, I received the report on the salary increases for the public sector. I came to this stage to fulfill a promise, not to make new ones. Our promises have been fulfilled, and the results speak for themselves. That's why I'm asking the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led NPP to remove the relevant statements from their policy documents.
When we took over the country two years ago, no one believed we would be able to stand here today and announce an increase in public sector salaries. On that day, my team courageously accepted this challenge alongside me. Members from various parties joined forces with us. We had to make difficult decisions to stabilize the country's economy and protect the rupee. Had we not taken those steps, we would be in a much worse situation today, similar to what Greece faced.
We implemented the 2023 relief program to provide support to the people, and in 2024, we increased allowances for government employees to help them better cope with the cost of living.
Our efforts do not stop here. We need to boost the gross domestic product (GDP) and further strengthen the economy. In the upcoming presidential election, I am seeking a mandate to take these next steps toward a secure future. Ensuring the economic stability of our country is crucial. Although we have been implementing this program for the past two years, the country's economic stability has not yet been fully established, and there is still a risk of economic collapse. Therefore, we can only move forward through a structured and formal plan.
We have also discussed initiatives to strengthen the gem industry, aiming to restore Sri Lanka’s position in the global market for gemstones. Additionally, we are developing a program to enhance the welfare of miners and ensure their protection. These efforts, along with our agricultural modernization program, are designed to drive these activities forward with strength and determination.
Through these various initiatives, we are creating a new economic framework for the country and working towards broad social change. Currently, 25% of our population falls into the low-income category, and many people lack access to health and education services despite having some income. We are committed to a revolution that provides quality education, healthcare, and increased income opportunities for these groups, integrating them into society.
It is essential to affirm the rights of women, who make up the majority of our population. We have passed the Women's Empowerment Act for the first time, which provides women the opportunity to assert their rights. A separate office will now be established in every police station to report violence against women; an initiative that no other party is even discussing.
Furthermore, we are working towards establishing a Social Justice Commission to address issues of marginalization due to caste and lack of social acceptance. This commission will be a critical step towards transforming society. Simultaneously, we are committed to reforming the political system.
While others merely talk about corruption, we take action against it. We have developed some of the best anti-corruption laws in the world and have passed the Anti-Corruption Act. More draft laws are in the pipeline. Talking about corruption alone is meaningless; there must be a structured program to tackle it, and I am the only one with such a program.
Although some claim they will catch thieves, effective institutions are necessary to do so. We are strengthening these institutions. This is not the work of politicians; it is the work of the courts. Our role is to empower these institutions so that they can do their job. It is the responsibility of the judiciary to enforce punishment, and as politicians, we cannot interfere with that process.
Otherwise, it would be like the judgment Major Mallika gave when the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was taken to court at Uragas Manhandiya. I have no intention of playing Major Mallika's role.
We are also working on creating a new system that includes a second legislative body, which increases the representation of youth and women by establishing a People's Assembly (Jana Sabha), reform the voting system, and regulate the behaviour of parliamentarians. I want to emphasize that we are committed to making these substantial changes.
While others engage in rhetoric, meaningful economic, social, and political change can only be achieved through the Puluwan Sri Lanka program.
Today, I want to tell members of the United National Party (UNP) that our policies closely align with the true principles of the UNP. We proceed based on these principles, and therefore, you should cast your vote in favour of advancing these policies.
Sajith Premadasa cannot win. A vote for Sajith will only serve to strengthen Anura Kumara Dissanayake. What they are effectively doing is extending a hand to Anura Kumara, much like the character of Maname Kumari. I urge them to refrain from doing so.”
Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi;
Palmadulla proudly reflects on its participation in one of the most successful and historic rallies in political history. Despite the challenges, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us in this gathering, demonstrating remarkable intelligence and political awareness. The enthusiasm and courage shown by everyone were truly inspiring.
Today, we stand united with the goal of further stabilizing our country and preventing any return to instability.
In that historic election, 39 members of the JVP were elected to Parliament with your support. Alongside Anura Kumara, Lal Kantha, Chandrasena Wijesinghe, and Vijitha Herath, I had served in the cabinet. In Ratnapura, after me, Achala Jagoda from the JVP received the highest number of votes. In several other districts, JVP candidates were elected to Parliament with significant majorities, second only to former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and late Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
But have those who formed governments with us actually accomplished anything? Anura Kumara Dissanayake spent a lot of money on posters promising to build 1,000 tanks as the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. But did they even construct a single anicut for the Ratnapura district? If anyone asks what we've been doing here, just tell them to look around. You'll see roads have been built, electricity and water have been provided, schools have been constructed, and hospitals have been established.
Now, Anura Kumara has released a policy statement advocating for reduced direct taxes, decreased indirect taxes, increased government spending, and various concessions. But reducing taxes also reduces government revenue. Meanwhile, both Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake are making unrealistic promises to the people.
We faced this economic crisis because former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's administration reduced taxes in a similar manner. Out-dated economic advisors pushed for those policies, leading to reduced direct and indirect taxes. Ultimately, we were forced into a situation where we couldn’t even remain in the country. Anura Kumara is now proposing the same approach. We must seriously consider whether we want to go down that path again.
Is what this country needs right now a leader who plays the role of a joker, deceiving people with empty promises? Sajith Premadasa is making all sorts of promises, and Anura Kumara, following in his footsteps, is doing the same. But this country no longer needs the traditional political leaders who mislead the people with promise after promise. What this country truly needs are leaders who speak the truth, who have a philosophy, a clear vision, and a solid plan of action. We need a leader who can realistically uplift the economy with a practical and well-thought-out approach.
State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura
Sajith Premadasa claims that he will provide pensions to those who retired in 2015. Under the 100,000 Employment' program, we recruited 29,000 into the public service. We ensured that these employees were hired with a guaranteed salary. We also made sure that all those who served in Provincial Councils and Pradeshiya Sabha were made permanent, along with their pensions.
Sajith Premadasa talks about giving fertilizer for Rs. 5,000, while we are offering it at Rs. 4,000. Similarly, when the President announced a salary increase for public servants, Sajith Premadasa echoed the same promise. Therefore, we urge Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara not to make bankrupt political promises to the people.
MP S.B. Dissanayake;
When discussing this year's presidential election, there's little to say about Sajith. His policy statement is filled with promises to cut revenue while increasing spending as much as possible. Even a child can see how weak his vision is.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the leader who took charge of the country when we were at rock bottom, stuck in a void. He had to make tough, unpopular decisions to steer the nation back on course.
Sajith, who is competing against President Ranil Wickremesinghe, doesn't seem to grasp the seriousness of the situation. Meanwhile, the JVP is making a lot of noise, but let's not forget their beginnings. They started their political journey through theft, violence, and crime. In 1971, they attacked 74 police stations, completely burned down 4, and took control. They killed 67 police and army personnel, along with many civilians. They set fire to 71 tea factories and over 100 buses.
Member of Parliament, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne
Two years ago, the economy collapsed, and the country faced a massive crisis. During that time, invitations were extended to Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake to take charge of the country. However, they declined to take on the challenge. Despite everyone else stepping back, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who held just a single seat in Parliament, took on the responsibility and has since brought stability to the country.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe took charge, rescuing both the economy and the country. Today, his efforts during those difficult times are being recognized and praised globally. Therefore, I urge all of you to grant him a mandate for the next five years to transform this country into a modern, developed nation.
Former Minister, Manusha Nanayakkara
While some politicians chose to flee, saying "I can't," and abandoning the people, Ranil Wickremesinghe stood as the only leader who understood the people's suffering and said "I can." Those of you gathered here today have not forgotten the situation this country was in two years ago. During that difficult time, you lost your livelihoods. Workers in the mining industry, agriculture, and plantations were left helpless, and the only leader who stepped forward to help was Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Other politicians who now seek your vote did not understand your pain back then. After the ‘Aragalaya’, they went from village to village holding meetings and pushing their political agendas. However, President Wickremesinghe has spent the last two years tirelessly ensuring that you have gas, fuel, medicine, and food without shortages. His correct actions have stabilized the country's economy, preventing us from becoming another Maldives or Bangladesh.
The wage increase for public sector employees starting in January is not just a promise; it's a decision that President Wickremesinghe has already made and is bringing to you now. The duty of the people of this country is to express their gratitude by supporting Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Member of Parliament, Akila Saliya Ellawala.
Recently, at a JVP meeting, it was claimed that Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Janaka Wakkumbura, Muditha Soyza, and I had all switched from the Pohottuwa to the Elephant. We have never changed parties. However, understanding the need of the hour, we, the members of the SLPP, decided to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe, thinking about the country's future rather than petty political interests.
We are assisting you as members of the SLPP because we believe you are the only one who can lift this country out of its current crisis. There is no other leader today capable of doing this work—only you.
Former Minister of Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, Athula Kumara Rahubadda,
During a difficult time, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took charge of this country, and we, as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), made a historic decision to support him in saving the country. When leaders were asked to take over a collapsing country, they refused and fled. However, President Wickremesinghe has stabilized the country.
The moment he stabilized the country and led it to victory, I decided to cast my vote for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, regardless of my party’s stance.
At this event, a large gathering, including members of the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, former UNP Provincial Council Member Hasitha Muhandiram, Ratnapura District Leader of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) Reuben Perumal, UNP Pelmadulla Organizer Manjula Dias Wickremanayake, and other regional political leaders, were present.
