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President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged voters to support the gas cylinder initiative on September 21 to safeguard the country's hard-earned progress. He emphasized that the International Monetary Fund's support is for the current government’s program, and criticized Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake for making empty promises without a concrete plan for advancing the country.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the "Ranil Can" (Ranil ta Puluwan) victory rally in Wellawaya yesterday (16). The rally, which drew a large crowd, was organized to reaffirm support for President Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe further elaborated on his vision and plans for the nation.
“As Hambantota's industries expand, the Wellawaya area will also benefit from the creation of an investment zone. Additionally, Monaragala is undergoing a comprehensive development program. What we need now is a mandate to advance these initiatives.
For the past four years, many young people have struggled to find employment. Next year, we plan to create 100,000 self-employment opportunities across both government and private sectors. Furthermore, we aim to provide funding for 50,000 individuals to receive training at their chosen institutions.
To achieve these goals, we must complete our journey across the vine bridge. We are close to the finish line, but we still have a little way to go. The vine bridge is currently facing some challenges, but with your support on September 21, we can successfully complete this critical phase.
Currently, two candidates, Sajith and Anura, are competing for your support, but neither has a viable plan for the country's future. They can make promises, but they lack the capability to deliver. We need to continue our progress with IMF support, which is crucial for the government's ongoing program.
I had agreed to a debate with former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara, but I am still waiting for an invitation. The delay indicates a lack of substantive plans on their part.
Sajith, meanwhile, promises free things without a concrete plan. We must defend our hard-earned achievements and continue our progress. I urge everyone to vote for the gas cylinder on September 21 to secure our victory and advance our development agenda.
The winning momentum in elections usually starts towards the end of the campaign. Those who prepared too early for the Presidential Election have already been defeated. You know we began this battle at the last moment. However, it’s important to say that not only Monaragala but the entire country has now rallied behind President Ranil Wickremesinghe for victory.
The people also remember who stepped forward to take responsibility for the country back then, among the 38 candidates running for President today. The very thing others said was "impossible," President Ranil Wickremesinghe took on succeeded and proved was possible. As a team, we decided to support him because we know his ability to overcome challenges.
When I took over as the Minister of Agriculture, farmers didn’t have access to fertilizer. But as soon as President Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed office, he ensured that fertilizer was provided to farmers. As a result, today we are self-sufficient in rice, and not only paddy farmers, but all farmers are receiving fertilizer subsidies.
We have moved beyond traditional farming to introduce modern agriculture, and Farmers are now reaping the benefits. It’s worth noting that the government has set up a system where farmers can now earn around Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 00,000 per month.
When we take on challenges, we must overcome them. Right now, we are reducing the burden on the people’s lives. Some claim the country has been ruined, but we should remember that both Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake were part of that destruction. It was the JVP that led the country to bankruptcy, destroying property worth Rs. 200 million. The JVP, which couldn’t even manage a tea shop, has no right to present a Presidential candidate, let alone govern a country. This election will teach them that lesson. Instead of teaching them lessons, we need to ensure the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took on the challenge when others couldn’t. I ask all of you to take responsibility for ensuring his success and cast your vote for the “Gas Cylinder”.
Unlike the other parties, which brought people from other districts to fill their rallies, no one from outside this district has participated in this gathering. I challenge anyone to prove otherwise.
In 2022, Sajith Premadasa ran faster to the protest sites than Susanthika Jayasinghe. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, too, came to the protest grounds and said, “We’ll resolve this on the road,” and two hours later, a Member of Parliament was killed on the road. Transformers and buses were set on fire in every town. At that moment, no one was willing to take responsibility for the country. Sajith Premadasa declined saying "I can’t contest the Presidential Election in two years if I take over this mess."
When all the leaders refused to take charge, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, despite being a single MP, took responsibility for the country. In just two years, he eliminated the queues for milk powder, fuel, gas and electricity, and ensured the supply of medicine.
Just as we honoured Mahinda Rajapaksa for winning the war, today, the people respect Ranil Wickremesinghe for stabilizing the economy and ending the era of queues. Therefore, I urge all the people to secure Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory on September 21st, by casting your vote for the ‘Gas Cylinder’.
When President Ranil Wickremesinghe took charge during that critical time, many doubted his ability to fulfil the responsibility, and some believed he would fail and resign. However, from the moment he assumed office, President Wickremesinghe tackled the nation’s problems one by one, leveraging his international connections. He ended the era of fuel and gas shortages and revitalized the country by providing farmers with essential fertilizers, which laid the groundwork for economic stability.
The representatives from various parties who supported him now look to his leadership for the next five years. We should not only re-appoint President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his achievements over the past two years but also for the important tasks he is poised to undertake in the future.
Therefore, I urge you to cast your vote for the “Gas Cylinder” on September 21 and support President Ranil Wickremesinghe to lead our country forward.
In March 2022, Dhammika Perera, one of our country's prominent entrepreneurs, expressed her despair, saying, "This country cannot be recovered; it has fallen." He remarked that one would need a wheelbarrow to buy bread. Hearing this, I felt deep sorrow for the people living in poverty in Wellasse, fearing that the very people of our nation were on the brink of despair.
On that critical day, the opposition leader, who had been entrenched in politics for many years, failed to step up. It wasn't the nation that rejected him; it was his inability to embrace the responsibility. Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara, Sarath Fonseka, and Dullas Alahapperuma all failed to take charge when it was needed. In contrast, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped forward to address the crisis that others avoided. Is it unfair for the people of Wellasse to support Ranil Wickremesinghe, given that he took on the responsibility when others did not?
If former President Mahinda Rajapaksa entrusted the country to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, then we too stand with President Wickremesinghe. While there are those who endlessly debate the Sevagala Sugar Factory, President Wickremesinghe's work in Parliament speaks volumes. He has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and strong international relations, making him the leader best equipped for our nation.
Sajith Premadasa has proven he cannot lead this country effectively. Therefore, we urge those who support him to join us. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the leader we need. I refer to Sajith as "Pachadasa," highlighting his inability to deliver.
Monaragala is a district renowned for propelling presidents to victory. President Ranil Wickremesinghe faces no significant challenge in winning this district. Today, leaders who have been instrumental in electing former presidents are also here with us. Therefore, I am confident that President Wickremesinghe will be confirmed as the 9th Executive President of our country on the 21st.
Some media channels are reporting large crowds at meetings organized by the SJB and JVP. They claim that people from across the country are attending their events in this province. I urge everyone not to be misled by the sensationalist coverage from these channels.
The JVP supported various administrations, from former President Chandrika Kumaratunga to the Good Governance government. Despite their current criticisms, their history is marked by inconsistency and opportunism. We remain committed to serving the country and its people with integrity. It’s time to put an end to their divisive and terrorizing politics.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped up to lead our country during a critical period of need. Now, as we face another crucial moment, it is imperative that we re-elect him to guide us through these challenging times. His victory in the upcoming presidential election on September 21 is assured, and the people of Uva Wellassa are eager to be part of that success. I urge you to cast your vote for the gas cylinder mark to support this important cause.
The event was attended by distinguished religious leaders led by Maha Sangha, former MP Thalatha Athukorala, former PC Chairmen Damayantha Dolewatta, Rohana Vanniarachchi, and R. M. Ratnaweera. Former PC Member Priyanthi Mangalika, Wellawaya UNP Organizer Nilantha Bandara, Moneragala district President's Coordinator Dilum Jayasekara, political representatives from the area, electorate organizers, and a large number of supporters were also present.
