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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that lasting relief for the people will come not from empty election promises, but from systematically strengthening the country's economy. He outlined a five-year plan to bolster the economy, which aims to maintain economic stability, reduce food prices, lower the tax burden, and provide enduring relief to the population.
President Wickremesinghe made these statements while attending the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally at the Poojapitiya Marathugoda Stadium in Kandy today (27). The event, organized by Kandy District Member of Parliament Gunathilaka Rajapaksa, saw President Wickremesinghe warmly welcomed by the local community.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the gathering with the following remarks:
"I have a comprehensive five-year plan to strengthen our country’s economy. This plan includes reducing food prices, creating new job opportunities for young people, and delivering benefits through the Urumaya and Aswesuma programs. Additionally, we aim to transition towards an export-driven economy. All these elements are detailed in my election manifesto.
We must approach this journey systematically. While we commit to advancing and crossing the Vine Bridge, the opposition proposes cutting it. They are preparing to sever the bridge from both sides. Therefore, the people must make a decisive choice: whether to continue with those who have already led us to this point or to follow a group that fled, refusing to take over the country.
We must build a better future for our youth, reduce the burden of living costs, and further lower taxes. This should be done methodically and without false promises. That is why I have chosen the gas cylinder as my voting symbol. If you want the gas cylinder, I urge you to cast your vote for the gas cylinder to signify your support.”
State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne:
In this year's presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has formed the broadest alliance, transcending party lines and political affiliations. Parties such as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Podujana Peramuna, Labour Congress, and the National Freedom Front have all come together on this platform. No other political leader, even those who now demand power, stepped up to take over the presidency when people were suffering from gas shortages and economic hardships. President Ranil Wickremesinghe worked tirelessly to free the people from this oppression.
In just two years, President Wickremesinghe turned around a country that was facing 13-hour power cuts and was on the brink of economic collapse. He is a leader who has proven his ability to deliver results. We cannot afford to take risks or return to those times of crisis. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader capable of building a stable economy that will not falter over the next five years.
By winning the Harispattuwa seat decisively and securing victory nationwide on September 22, we can ensure the reappointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe to the presidency. Let's work together to make this happen.
State Minister Dilum Amunugama:
Today, all MPs from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in the Kandy district have united to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory. We are committed to returning the leader who successfully navigated our country through an economic crisis.
In the past, our nation faced severe challenges from both northern and southern terrorists. The JVP, for instance, has a history of violence, including burning CTB buses and killing people, while the LTTE inflicted serious economic damage through their terrorism.
During the period of severe shortages, people were enduring long queues. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reached out to every political leader, urging them to take on the roles of Prime Minister or President. What was previously a neglected position is now in the spotlight, demanding authority because President Ranil Wickremesinghe has successfully restored the economy.
"Thanks to President Ranil Wickremesinghe's strong international relations, he has been able to provide critical relief to the people of our country. He is uniquely positioned to engage with global leaders directly to secure necessary support for Sri Lanka. Under his leadership, initiatives such as 'Aswesuma' and 'Urumaya' have been introduced, along with freehold deeds, rice subsidies, and teacher appointments for those affected by the economic crisis. These achievements are a testament to his effective international diplomacy and economic management."
State Minister Mr. Lohan Ratwatte:
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) was founded by my uncle, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. My father, Anuruddha Ratwatte, made significant contributions to the Harispattuwa seat. After Mahinda Rajapaksa's defeat in 2015, we worked hard to restore him to power. Historically, we have opposed Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe's party. However, it was only President Wickremesinghe who took on the challenge of addressing the economic crisis in 2022.
In contrast, both Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who served in Parliament for twenty-five years, were absent when the crisis hit. It is ironically unfortunate that those who were unable to act during the crisis now seek to gain power.
During the ‘Aragalaya’, there was a tragic incident where a Member of Parliament was attacked and killed. This echoed the 88-89 terror of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). We must consider the implications if such groups were to come to power again.
Our focus is not on protecting individuals or parties but on supporting the leader who successfully navigated the country through the economic crisis. We need President Ranil Wickremesinghe's leadership for the next five years to ensure continued stability and progress."
Member of Parliament Mr. Mahindananda Aluthgamage:
By the morning of September 22, we are confident that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be re-elected as President. This is the broadest platform that has been prepared for this Presidential Election including the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya and the Tamil National Alliance, underscores the extensive backing he has garnered. As of September 20, parts of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya are poised to join us in supporting President Wickremesinghe, reinforcing our certainty of victory.
In contrast, Sajith Premadasa has proven to be ineffective, as evidenced by his tenure as Housing Minister. Anura Dissanayake's campaign is unlikely to secure significant wins in Gampaha and Colombo districts, and Namal Rajapaksa's candidacy for the opposition does not align with our goals. We are committed to supporting President Wickremesinghe, as endorsed by Mahinda Rajapaksa.
President Wickremesinghe has successfully ended the era of shortages and revitalized the economy within two years. His administration has also introduced numerous benefits, including reduced electricity, fuel, and gas prices, as well as ‘Aswesuma’ subsidies and freehold land rights under ‘Urumaya’. Additionally, the cabinet has approved a Rs. 25,000 salary increase for government employees next year.
These accomplishments are a testament to President Wickremesinghe's exceptional economic management skills. It is crucial to support his continued efforts to stabilize the economy. As an independent candidate, he has both the experience and capability needed. We are committed to ensuring his victory.
MP Gunathilaka Rajapaksha;
Two years ago, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped in to lead this country during a crucial time. With the support of 134 MPs, including members of the Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), he was elected as President by the Parliament. Since then, he has diligently carried out his duties and is now addressing the people.
In recognition of his service, a large crowd has gathered in Harispattuwa today. It is anticipated that those who appreciate his contributions will vote to re-elect President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the 09th Executive President by the early hours of September 22. This year, he secured the Harispattuwa seat with a margin of 35,000 votes in the presidential election.
MP Udayana Kirindigoda;
The outcome of this presidential election will shape the country's future. The group led by the president boasts the most extensive organization participating in this election. Two years ago, the country faced a severe economic collapse, leading to widespread shortages of essential goods like milk powder, gas, and fuel, causing hardship for everyone from the wealthy to the poor.
At that critical time, no leader stepped up to alleviate this suffering—until President Ranil Wickremesinghe took charge. He committed himself to economic recovery and has successfully restored stability within two years. For this reason, the country needs his leadership for the next five years.
MP Mohomad Muzammil;
We have often opposed President Ranil Wickremesinghe politically. However, during the recent economic crisis, he stepped forward unconditionally to support the people. It was President Ranil Wickremesinghe who defended Parliament from an imminent attack by activists. His leadership has prevented Sri Lanka from facing a fate similar to the current situation in Bangladesh.
In this presidential election, he deserves the respect and gratitude for restoring peace and rebuilding the economy. President Wickremesinghe has emphasized that both left and right can safeguard democracy.
Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) Deputy Leader Bharath Aluthsamy, United National Party Hewaheta electorate organiser Shanthini Kongahage, United National Party Kandy District Organizer M. Istihar, United National Party Harispattuwa Zonal Organizer Thilak Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka Freedom Party Harispattuwa Organizer Asanga Karunarathne, and other notable political activists were also present at the rally.
