Establishing a solid foundation for all students to master the English language
Read more
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the most capable team to advance the country is the one that tackled the economic crisis head-on. The president also announced that he will request everyone to protect the hard-earned gains of the country’s economy by supporting the “Gas Cylinder” on September 21.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while speaking at the victory rally in Yapahuwa today (04). The rally was aimed at securing his victory in the upcoming presidential election.
At the rally, President Wickremesinghe was greeted with great enthusiasm. He highlighted that it was the farmers of Sri Lanka, not the 38 presidential candidates, who played a crucial role in overcoming the economic crisis.
Additionally, the President assured that the remaining work on the North-West Canal project would be completed promptly to benefit the farmers of the North-West.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further explained;
Today, this platform unites all political parties, a collaboration none of us could have anticipated. However, for the sake of the well-being of our country, we have come together on this shared stage.
Postal voting has commenced today, and I am grateful to all who have cast their votes for me. There is encouraging news, as two years ago; few would have imagined that we could even hold this election.
Our ability to conduct this election is a testament to our collective efforts in stabilizing the country's economy. When the economy was in collapse, my focus was on achieving a successful harvest. I engaged with the United States and the World Bank to secure fertilizers, which were distributed to farmers. Thanks to these efforts, the 2023 harvest was fruitful, leading to an increase in paddy production and resurgence in tourism. This progress has helped stabilize the country's economy, and I extend my thanks to all the farmers for their contributions.
I want to assure you that I will provide the necessary funds to complete the North West Canal Project for the benefit of North West farmers. Farmers were the true saviours of the country during the economic crisis, not the 38 candidates who are contesting to the presidential election who claimed recovery was impossible. While they doubted the country's recovery, we worked diligently to rebuild the economy. Now, our task is to advance this economic progress.
We are a nation burdened with debt and struggling financially. Over the past two years, we successfully negotiated with the IMF, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the 18 countries that provided us loans, securing important concessions. These nations now support us as we establish economic stability and regain our ability to repay debt. Without their support, we would face severe setbacks. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain this stability and continue moving forward.
When leaders fled, our team stepped up to save the country. Thus, I believe that the best team to lead the country forward is with us.
I urge all UNP members in Kurunagala to support me in this presidential election and continue to uphold our party’s legacy. Just as J.R. Jayewardene took charge in 1977 and built the nation’s economy, I seek your mandate to continue the progress we have made over the past two years.
Sajith Premadasa is no longer with the UNP and is unable to defeat Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was, in fact, elevated by Sajith Premadasa himself. Historically, political competition in this country has typically been a contest between two main figures: the government and the opposition. It is crucial that each side maintains its distinctiveness and control over its own parties. For example, J.R. Jayewardene, when he was the leader of the opposition, ensured no one else could challenge his position, eventually becoming Prime Minister. Similarly, Former President Bandaranaike maintained control when she was leader of the opposition.
Sajith Premadasa’s approach has been to speak in Parliament daily, which inadvertently boosted Anura Kumara Dissanayake's profile. Now, Anura Kumara poses a significant threat to Sajith Premadasa, who is unlikely to win. Every vote cast for Sajith effectively supports Anura Kumara. Therefore, I advise all UNP members not to vote for Sajith. Instead, on September 21st, cast your vote for the “Gas Cylinder” to ensure progress.
State Minister for Finance, Shehan Semasinghe;
A pivotal election in our country’s history will take place on September 21. It’s important to recognize that the government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe has successfully rebuilt the nation, which had collapsed two years ago. This journey of recovery has been remarkable.
While Sajith and Anura, who are seeking votes today, were responsible for the chaos that ensued, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took on the crucial task of extinguishing that crisis. For a stable and prosperous future, it is essential that President Wickremesinghe is re-elected as President.
The economy, which was at a standstill then, has been gradually revived. The choice before you is whether to revert to the state of affairs in 2022 or to continue progressing forward.
The current government has not neglected the farmers, who have played a vital role in stabilizing the economy this year. Measures have been taken to increase the fertilizer subsidy to Rs.25, 000.
The next five years are critical for our country. President Wickremesinghe’s plan aims to alleviate the living burden on all civilians, ensuring that the country does not fall back into hardship.
The JVP is attempting to recreate the turmoil of the 88-89 eras by intimidating people door-to-door. However, it is crucial that the voters stand firm and support President Wickremesinghe, resisting any attempts at coercion.
State Minister, D.B. Herath;
In our political history, we have supported three Presidents to power. Today, we stand united behind President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who once again has been a saviour for our country.
Extremist political factions created chaos, resulting in the death of an MP and the burning of ministerial homes, including President Wickremesinghe's own residence.
President Wickremesinghe took responsibility for the nation’s future and provided it with a chance to recover. While tourism had virtually disappeared, Sri Lanka now ranks among the top five travel destinations globally.
President Wickremesinghe has successfully guided the country to a better position. Let us set aside party differences and unite for the future of our next generation.
State Minister, Shantha Bandara;
Today, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is making unrealistic promises on political stages. Do you recall the chaos he was part of during the unrest? At a time when the country was in turmoil and conditions were set for him to accept the role of Prime Minister, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped up without hesitation, accepting the challenge to rebuild the nation.
Currently, there are two camps in this country: one that believes progress is possible and one that does not. The group gathered here today represents the camp that believes in possibility. Over the past two years, President Wickremesinghe has demonstrated that this belief in progress is not just hopeful rhetoric but a reality.
The JVP is misleading people with falsehoods today. They obstructed the completion of the Uma Oya project, claiming it was flawed, and now have no explanations to offer. Their extremist actions from the 88-89 eras have resurfaced, reminding us of the chaos they once created—burning homes, killing one of our MPs, and driving the country to the brink of disaster.
We must acknowledge the peril facing our nation and act to protect it. Let us cast our votes on the 21st in support of progress and safeguard our country from this threat.
MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa,
During the time of the Aragalaya, the President stepped down. However, Ranil Wickremesinghe took on the responsibility of leading the country with confidence. That’s why, as a group, we decided to support him, setting aside our party affiliations.
Today, Bangladesh is struggling to pay its public servants. If Ranil Wickremesinghe hadn’t taken over, Sri Lanka would have faced a similar fate. But he protected our country and its people.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the necessary steps to ensure that essential goods including fuel, gas, and fertilizers were continuously supplied to the people who had been enduring hardships. Therefore, on the 21st, we should all show our gratitude to him.
Sri Lanka Mahajana Party Leader, MP Asanka Navaratne,
When the country was on the brink of collapse, Ranil Wickremesinghe took on the responsibility of rebuilding it. Despite the opposition refusing to provide any support for his efforts, instead choosing to engage in protests and strikes. The President managed to restore stability.
Today, we stand united with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, setting aside party differences. We cannot allow this country to fall again. We need to see Sri Lanka shine on the global stage.
In the coming days, we must go from village to village to spread our message. The upcoming Presidential Election is not about winning for a party or an individual. It’s about winning for the country. If we fail in this battle, Sri Lanka could be pushed back into an era of shortages after September 21.
United National Party Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam,
Today, there are two groups in this country: one that supports rebuilding the nation and one that seeks to bring it down.
Therefore, we must support President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has worked to rebuild this country. Otherwise, are we prepared to support the groups that would bring back the old era of chaos?
Today, some people may be celebrating victories on social media, but on the 21st, it is certain that Ranil Wickremesinghe will be the one to lead this country to success.
Just as the people once showed their gratitude to Mahinda Rajapaksa for ending the war, we must now show our gratitude to Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took over and rebuilt this country two years ago.
A large gathering attended this event, including the Maha Sangha, MP Manjula Dissanayake, former Deputy Minister Saranath Basnayake, former Minister S. B. Nawinna, former MP Amara Piyaseeli Ratnayake, UNP Organizer for Yapahuwa Aruna Ambahara, SLFP Organizer for Kurunegala Lakshman Wedaruwa, regional political leaders, and electoral organizers.
