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President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" victory rally in Morawaka today (06), highlighted the founding of the United National Party (UNP) by D.S. Senanayake and S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, emphasizing its role in securing the country's independence. He noted that today, on its 78th Anniversary, the party is once again united for the country's economic freedom.
President Wickremesinghe criticized the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), stating that while they claim unity for the country, they lack the policies of the UNP. He pointed out that the SJB under G.L. Peiris and Nalaka Godahewa and under Dallas Alahapperuma, has no connection with the UNP.
The President also called attention to contradictions within the National People's Power (NPP), led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He questioned the conflicting statements from Dissanayake about promoting an export economy, while Sunil Handunnetti advocated for an import-focused economy, urging them to clarify their stance to the public.
In his critique of the NPP's 232-page manifesto, President Wickremesinghe dismissed it as offering "empty promises," stating that while they speak of change, there is no substantial plan or real change outlined within it.
The rally saw a large turnout, with enthusiastic support for President Wickremesinghe as he prepares for the upcoming presidential election.
We took over the country at a time when no one else was willing to, and we worked to stabilize the economy while providing relief to the people. Now, we need to consolidate these economic gains and continue moving forward. I introduced a work plan for this through the "Puluwan Sri Lanka" program, and I am committed to steering the economy onto the right track over the next five years by implementing it.
We are focused on providing additional relief to the people, but not in the way the opposition suggests, as that would lead to another economic collapse. The program we are running is designed for long-term stability.
We have also recognized the rights of women, who make up 52% of the population. Unlike other parties, we have released a dedicated manifesto for women, which can be found on my website. We passed the Women's Empowerment Act, which ensures the rights of women, and we are actively implementing it. Previously, there was no law addressing women's rights, but we introduced it within two years. Additionally, we have taken steps to prevent violence against women and children by establishing special units in every police station for this purpose.
Our Justice Mission is protecting children from drugs, and we are developing a legal framework to combat domestic violence. We have launched several such initiatives.
We have also implemented an agricultural modernization program. Our goal is to boost the tourism industry and increase the number of tourists in these provinces. We plan to develop Sinharaja as a tourist destination, which will significantly increase the number of people earning livelihoods from tourism.
We are building a digital and manufacturing economy, with investment zones being established across the country to attract foreign investments.
While we were addressing these issues, my colleague, Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stated on September 4th in Kelaniya, "We cannot rely solely on our 3.8 million market. We won’t expand beyond this market. Therefore, we are preparing the necessary program to support industrialists and businesspeople. This means we are now focusing on the export industry." It’s positive that Mr. Anura Dissanayake is aligning with our approach, but there is a contradiction. His election manifesto states that free trade agreements (FTAs) will be abolished. However, to succeed in the export industry, FTAs are essential. While Anura advocates for an export-driven economy, his party is effectively holding it back.
To create an export economy, I presented the economic promotion draft to Parliament. However, Mr. Sunil Hadunnetthi and his economic adviser Harshan Suriyapperuma opposed it, claiming it favours an export-based economy that overlooks import substitutes and violates constitutional articles. While Anura pushes for exports, Hadunnetthi argues for focusing on imports. Additionally, they advocate sidelining foreign investors and under such conditions, will investors come?
Since Anura Dissanayake will address the issue tomorrow, I urge him to clarify these contradictions. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the National People’s Power (NPP) are pulling in different directions, leaving their leadership unsure of their course. The NPP talks about bringing change, but when you examine their 232-page manifesto, there’s no substantial difference.
We are the ones driving real change by transforming the economy toward an export model and empowering 2 million citizens. We've introduced new educational programs, ensured greater representation for women and youth in Parliament, and extended these initiatives to provincial and local councils. Moreover, we’ve enhanced representation through public assemblies, allowing petitions with 100,000 signatures to be debated in Parliament. These are the meaningful changes we are implementing.
We’ve also made efforts to fight corruption, pushing for the strongest anti-corruption law in South Asia. Unlike others who merely discuss corruption, we’ve established the Social Justice Commission and are actively working to reform the voting system.
Although the NPP's manifesto has 232 pages, it lacks a clear vision for the future. I hope Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake can provide clarity on this. In contrast, our "Puluwan Sri Lanka" program is driving political, economic, and social change. Therefore, on September 21, I ask you to support us by marking your ballot for real progress.
Chief of the Presidential Staff and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka,
Mr. Bandaranaike left the United National Party (UNP) and formed the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). This is the first time since then that both the UNP and SLFP have come together on the same platform. Today, the 78th anniversary of the UNP is particularly significant for this reason.
In 2019, the UNP presented an economic policy. However, the people gave power to Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). By 2020, President Ranil Wickremesinghe was aware of the impending economic collapse. While some leaders hoped for the government to fall in the next full moon poya, Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed that the government seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to his sensitivity towards the people's suffering.
When the country was in distress and leaders were unable to take charge, Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped in because he understood the people's suffering. Two years ago, the state of the country was known to all. Considering this and the future, I urge you to use your vote in the upcoming Presidential Election. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has made significant contributions to Deniyaya development Let us move forward from where development activities were halted, with actions to be taken after the Presidential Election.
Minister Kancha Wijesekera,
This platform is united for the country’s economic recovery. It represents the SLPP,SLFP, UNP, the New Alliance and all political parties. The majority of postal voters have expressed their preference for Ranil Wickremesinghe. We believe that the intelligent and previously silent public will come forward to ensure his victory. Some leaders suggested holding a meeting in Morawaka , Deniyaya and Akuressa if possible. Today, the people of Morawaka have shown their support for Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In the Matara District, 90% of the provincial representatives from the SLPP are on this platform. During the economic crisis, leaders from the SLPP joined the opposition. They ignored the people’s suffering. Some have even left politics, claiming they could not restructure the debt and saying that the dollar will reached Rs.700.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa told the opposition groups to take over as Prime Minister and President. Harsha de Silva mentioned that the country was in a dire state. At that time, only President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the economy could be revived.
Today, some candidates are making empty promises on the election stage. However, when asked to address the country's challenges, they fled. These groups are currently presenting a dream world to the people. This is why we urge the public not to experiment with unknown leaders in this election. If you do, it could push the country back into devastation.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) recently unveiled its policy statement. The team presented this policy statement in Kandy, near the Dalada Maligawa. Harsha de Silva and Kabir Hashim also presented apolicy statement in Colombo. Before the Presidential Election, the Samagi Sanadana is splitting into two factions. Therefore, do not entrust the country to a leader who cannot keep the party united.
Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera;
I have come to this rally today with some positive news for the Morawaka people. That is the government has allocated funds to reduce the price of every 50kg bag of fertilizer by Rs. 4000 as a relief to all farmer including farmers growing tea and pepper. There's no need to wait for election results—this program is already underway.
Contrary to false claims by Dullas and Buddhika in Matara that the paddy fields will be taken over by the government, President Ranil Wickramasinghe continues to distribute land deeds under the "Urumaya" program.
The country's economic troubles have been largely caused by two groups: the LTTE terrorists and the JVP. Without their interference, Sri Lanka might have become a nation that lends to others rather than borrowing. These groups played a significant role in driving the country into economic distress.
President Ranil Wickramasinghe is the only leader who has made substantial efforts to address and rebuild from this economic crisis. His program, which he has implemented over the past two years, is crucial for our country’s recovery. We are united in our support to ensure the success of President Wickramasinghe's economic agenda, and we are fully committed to this cause.
State Minister Vadivel Suresh;
President Ranil Wickramasinghe has consistently advocated for the estate communities, making numerous decisions that benefit both the people of the upcountry estates and those in the southern estates.
Recently, the President received positive feedback from government employees during the postal polls. As the most experienced leader in the country, he has demonstrated his management capabilities over the past two years. In light of this, I urge you to support him in the upcoming presidential election and help fulfil our commitment to his leadership.
Former Minister, Advisor to the President Manusha Nanayakkara;
Under leadership of President Ranil Wickramasinghe, plantation workers are set to receive a daily wage of Rs.1, 700, with the official announcement expected next Tuesday. The President took charge of the country during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty. Amidst a dire situation with shortages of food and medicine, President Wickramasinghe emerged as a dedicated leader committed to rescuing the nation.
While opposition groups were pursuing agendas abroad to secure foreign currency, which contributed to the country's drift towards chaos, President Wickramasinghe focused on stabilizing the economy. He increased government employees' living allowances and ensured food security by providing timely fertilizer.
The education of our children faced significant disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite some trade unions and groups exacerbating the situation with protests and disruptions, the President has responded by planning an increase in government employyes’ salaries starting January next year.
When President Ranil Wickramasinghe approached the IMF, Anura Kumara Dissanayake criticized the move, stating a preference against engaging with the IMF. Now, however, he has reversed his stance, claiming that an IMF partnership will continue even if they come to power. Similarly, Samantha Vidyaratne had pointed out an issue with Uma Oya and provided the exact location of the problem. It is now clear that Kaiyananayaka’s previous statements were misleading.
Amid the country’s economic crisis, President Wickramasinghe successfully managed the economy and initiated “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya” programs. Scholarships were provided to children, and many people were guided towards employment opportunities abroad. All of this was achieved while effectively managing a distressed economy. I urge the people to make a decision that will advance the country, avoiding any missteps that could hinder our progress.
New Alliance Southern Provincial Leader, Pasanda Yapa Abeywardana;
For the first time in my life, I am casting my vote for President Ranil Wickramasinghe. This election, he is set to receive a majority of 600,000 votes from the SLPP. Two years ago, the SLPP faced immense challenges, and the people, numbering 6.9 million, endured significant hardships without any leader stepping forward to address the crisis.
Thanks to the economic transformation led by President Wickramasinghe, the SLPP has been able to take action and voice our concerns. This significant change has provided us with a single MP and revitalized our movement. Given these achievements, I am confident that Mr. Wickramasinghe will secure a substantial majority of votes from the SLPP in this election.
Southern Province Governor Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, former PC member Gayan Sanjeewa, and several other political leaders in the area were also present at the rally.
