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President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the youth of Sri Lanka must be given the confidence that they can live in a better country within the next 20 years. He stressed the importance of supporting the gas cylinder vote on September 21, as part of a broader plan to rebuild the nation. The President criticized Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake for lacking a vision to develop the country, warning that if they were given power, the economy would collapse once again.
Speaking at the "Ranil ta Puluwan" (Ranil Can) victory rally in Thirukkovil, President Wickremesinghe highlighted his achievements over the past two years in reviving the economy and creating a stable environment. He pledged to solve the nation’s economic challenges within the next five years through strong implementation of his program and called on the people to support this initiative for the future of their children and the country. The rally, held this afternoon (11), saw a large turnout of supporters ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
"After the 2004 tsunami, I visited the Thirukkovil area. We came to the temple and provided assistance. Since then, the area has seen improvement, but today, your local representatives have requested further development. I assure you that as we strengthen the country's economic development, the Thirukkovil area will also benefit from this progress.
I assumed the presidency when the economy had completely collapsed. In 2022, people were without food, fuel, fertilizer, or gas. Electricity was cut for hours, and life was extremely difficult for all of you. At that time, no one believed we could recover to this extent. Neither Anura Dissanayake nor Sajith Premadasa stepped forward to take responsibility.
Today, we have built a country where everyone can live with access to food, fuel, gas, fertilizer and medicines. Life has returned to normal for most people. However, due to the economic crisis, prices of goods increased sharply while incomes remained stagnant. The value of the rupee had dropped significantly, making goods more expensive. Through the measures we've implemented over the last two years, the rupee has strengthened, and the prices of many items have decreased by 10% to 40%.
Despite this progress, I understand that people are still facing challenges. Strengthening the economy required tough decisions, but as we continue to stabilize the country, we are committed to providing relief to the people.
I aim to resolve the country's economic issues within the next five years, during which we will also focus on extensive development in various regions. To support this, we have introduced an agricultural modernization program, incorporating new technologies to improve farming practices. Specifically, in this area, we are helping achieve paddy cultivation of 8 metric tons per hectare. Thirukkovil's agriculture is being enhanced with advanced techniques.
In addition to agriculture, we are developing the fishing industry to better utilize our vast ocean resources. The mineral sand industry in this region is also being expanded. Furthermore, tourism will be promoted in Thirukkovil, creating a new economy for the area.
As the national economy grows, Thirukkovil will benefit from this progress as well. We have plans to make Trincomalee a major investment hub, with strengthened provincial councils that will be empowered to manage these initiatives.
We must create a brighter future for our youth and instil in them the confidence that they will live in a better country in 20 years. To make this vision a reality, I urge you to vote on September 21 to support this initiative.
Sajith Premadasa and Anura Dissanayake have no concrete plans for the country's future—they only offer rhetoric. Therefore, you should vote for the gas cylinder symbol on September 21 and support the program that will build the nation."
Two years ago, our country faced a severe economic crisis. The IMFadvised that everyone needed to work together to overcome it, but the opposition refused to support these efforts.
Consider whether the hardships experienced then are still present today. Compare the country's situation to a personal illness: would you choose the most experienced doctor or an experimental one?
This is the choice we face now. Are we prepared to appoint someone inexperienced with impractical policies? If so, be prepared to endure the same difficulties as before.
However, remember this: no one matches President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s ability to alleviate those challenges. Will you choose to face another five years of hardship, or will you support President Wickremesinghe's proven program in the upcoming election?
It is now confirmed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be the President for the next five years. We have no doubts about this. The people of the Eastern Province should also contribute to this victory and work towards the advancement of future generations.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has allocated three Ministries to the Eastern Province during his tenure. He has also emphasized the prompt conduct of Provincial Council elections and the decentralization of power.
On the 21st of this month, an election will take place that will determine the future of our country’s children. If we fail to make the right decision in this election, the future of our children could be in jeopardy. During my tenure as the Opposition Leader in the Eastern Province, Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan served as the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province. Today, both of us are united on the same platform, committed to rebuilding Sri Lanka’s collapsed economy. We have come together on this platform, regardless of political parties or religious divisions, to advance the nation.
In Ampara, we have successfully provided food security to the majority of the population. Today, the Arugam Bay area in Ampara is rapidly developing with tourism. By advancing agriculture and tourism, the Ampara district has the potential to thrive. The President has a plan for this development. After his victory, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will also establish factories in the Thirukkovil area to create employment opportunities for the youth. Additionally, under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, efforts are underway to develop the Eastern Province.
Today, we have granted land rights to our people, including freehold deeds with full title to their properties. Home ownership has also been secured. As a leader who listens to and addresses the concerns of our citizens, President Ranil Wickremesinghe deserves to continue serving as President for the next five years.
Some individuals are focusing on divisive issues like racism to protect their own positions, but what truly matters is the tangible progress being made now. President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s actions reflect his commitment to our country’s advancement. Therefore, it is crucial to make the right choice in this election.
Our support goes to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who governs with fairness and without regard to caste or religion. If we fail to vote for him, we risk future suffering for every Tamil, and we must take responsibility for that outcome.
A large gathering of distinguished guests attended the event, including Hindu priests, other religious leaders, former parliamentarian S. Santhilnaidu, and former members of the Eastern Provincial Council R. Rajeshwaran, K. Pushpakumara, and Thirukkovil organizer of the T.M.V.P. party Kanagasundaram Prabhakaran, along with other regional political leaders.
