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President Ranil Wickremesinghe questioned the sudden promises from Sajith and Anura about reducing fertilizer prices and cutting farmers' loans. He asked where they were when farmers were struggling without access to fertilizers.
The President highlighted that his efforts, including discussions with world leaders to secure fertilizer subsidies, were instrumental in getting farmers back to their fields and boosting rice production in the country.
President Wickremesinghe pointed out that Sajith and Anura, who now speak about alleviating the people's burdens, offered no support during the last economic crisis when the country needed it most.
He noted that those who avoided responsibility during the crisis are now seeking power for themselves. President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the "Ranil ta Puluwan” victory rally in Sainthamaruthu, Ampara yesterday (11).
A significant crowd gathered at the rally organized to celebrate President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s anticipated victory in the upcoming Presidential Election.
During his speech, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of trade and farming, which are vital sources of income for the Muslim community in the country. He warned that losing these sectors could lead to serious difficulties for the people. He urged attendees to seek out the SLMC for support in strengthening these crucial areas, and assured them that he has concrete plans to address these issues.
The President also highlighted his commitment to conducting elections free from ethnic and religious biases. He affirmed that the legal right of Muslim citizens to be buried according to their customs is protected, contrasting his approach with that of other leaders who engage in divisive rhetoric on the campaign trail. Instead, President Wickremesinghe promised to fulfil his commitments and work towards the betterment of all communities.
Addressing the public rally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe further stated,
I provided food when you were going hungry, and met your needs when medicines, fertilizers, fuel, and gas were scarce. I offered you hope when it seemed like there was none.
It deeply pained me to see you suffering from hunger, lacking fuel, gas, and fertilizer. Witnessing the hardship of our people was heart-breaking. When no one else was willing to take responsibility, I stepped into the role of President at the request of former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Did Sajith not feel the pain of the people during that time? They rejected the situation, claiming they wouldn't accept such conditions. I question their conscience.
Today, promises are being made to lower fertilizer prices and erase farmers' debts. Yet, when farmers were in urgent need of fertilizer, those promises were not fulfilled. I ask Sajith and Anura where were you then?
I have worked to stabilize the country’s economy through tough and often unpopular decisions. I reopened businesses that had closed, and now we have achieved economic stability.
This election is not about ethnic or religious issues. I have addressed the core concerns of the Muslim community, including ensuring the legal right of burial. While others discuss these matters during election campaigns, I focus on delivering results. I have fulfilled that commitment, and now it is up to Parliament to pass the necessary legislation. I have also restored the Jamahal Mosque, leaving no room for religious disputes in this province.
Muslims rely on trade and farming for their livelihoods. If these sectors decline, it will create significant difficulties. Therefore, you should consult the SLMC to see who can effectively advance trade and agriculture.
Our goal should be to improve the quality of life for all citizens. We need to strengthen the rupee and alleviate the cost of living.
I challenge Sajith and Anura, who claim that the current cost of living is too high, to explain why they did not take charge and address these issues when they had the chance. They avoided responsibility during the economic crisis, but I took on the challenge and am now committed to moving the country forward. So I ask: can Sajith and Anura be trusted again?
Today, as I visited, I noticed a well-stocked shop, including a display of lace-up shoes. When Sajith arrives, be sure to show him; it might help him run away more easily.
Let's focus on strengthening and advancing our economy. We are making significant strides in agriculture. Despite the challenges, our farmers achieved a successful harvest in the 2023 and 2024 Yala and Maha seasons, thanks to the fertilizers secured through tough negotiations by world leaders. I ask where Sajith Premadasa and the SLMC were during this crucial time.
We are developing a major tourism area stretching from Point Pedro to Panama, with improvements to Palali, Higurakgoda, and Mattala airports. We will also establish an investment zone in Samanthurai and are working with India on the development of Trincomalee. I present these plans to you with confidence.
In this presidential election, I seek your mandate to continue this progress. Sajith claims that everything should be given for free, but a country cannot be built that way.
Those who fled in the face of the economic crisis are now seeking power for themselves. I am committed to the future of this country’s people. I urge you to consider your future and make your vote for “Gas Cylinder” on September 21.
Two years ago, there was a time in this country when supermarkets sold firewood because gas was unavailable. Farmers lacked fertilizers. At that time, the Central Bank had only 20 million dollars in reserves. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed me to inform Sajith Premadasa to take over the government. Accordingly, I spoke with Sajith Premadasa, and at his request, I arranged for discussions with the Governor of the Central Bank and the Secretary of the Treasury. However, Sajith Premadasa withdrew from the responsibility due to the crisis situation.
Now, Sajith Premadasa, who once abandoned responsibility, is asking for your vote to take charge of the country. I question whether he can be entrusted with a country that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has painstakingly rebuilt.
In the years 1989, 1994, and 1999, who were the leaders Ashraff was associated with? Today’s Muslim leaders, who are aligned with the group, are certain to lose in the upcoming Presidential Election. Therefore, I urge you not to support Muslim leaders who betray our society.
Our involvement in politics is not for personal gain. Over the past five years, we have made significant sacrifices for the country, as only we and the god knows. We have enacted laws to prevent violence against our relatives and as a government, we ask for forgiveness for that.
At present, all communities in the country are preparing to re-elect President Ranil Wickremesinghe. I urge you to join us as part of this victory.
Today, the people have access to essential services, including electricity, and are receiving consistent relief. People are living happily and celebrating festivals together. This situation must continue, as the public does not wish to return to past turmoil.
To maintain this stability, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership must continue uninterrupted. Individuals like Channa Jayasumana, Champika Ranawaka, Dayasiri Jayasekara, and Major General Mahesh Senanayake, who have been critical of Muslims, and Nalaka Godahewa, who supported inhumane decisions against Muslims, are now aligned with Sajith Premadasa. These individuals attempted to create divisions based on race and religion, which the public is aware of. We do not need racism or religious bigotry. What we need is to live together with all communities in this country.
Therefore, the correct decision for the people in this presidential election is to ensure President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory.
People across the country are eagerly anticipating President Ranil Wickremesinghe's victory in the upcoming presidential election. Additionally, it is important to note that the SJB has fallen from third to fourth place.
Those who once shirked their responsibilities are now seeking power. They were absent when people were suffering, failing to stand with them during tough times. Recently, SLMC Secretary Kariyappar claimed in a television interview that they were on the verge of taking control, but President Wickremesinghe quickly intervened and took charge. However, they had actually rejected the opportunity. The NPP also retreated, and some now accuse President Wickremesinghe of protecting the Rajapaksas. In reality, President Wickremesinghe’s biggest adversary has been the Rajapaksas themselves.
In the 2005 presidential election, President Wickremesinghe, who was on the edge of victory, was defeated by the Rajapaksas. Had he won, our country could have developed to the level of Singapore. Despite their past actions, when the country faced crisis, President Wickremesinghe worked alongside them for the people's benefit.
If we were to face another era of shortages, it would be difficult to find where Anura and Sajith would be. In contrast, President Wickremesinghe has demonstrated unwavering commitment in the face of adversity. Therefore, it is clear that the people have rallied behind his victory.
Two years ago, the country was in turmoil—lacking electricity, jobs, goods, gas, and fuel. The people were desperate, waiting for a saviour amidst the chaos. During that crisis, neither Sajith nor the JVP stepped up to address the nation’s needs. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took on the challenge courageously, resolving the issues and setting the country on the path to recovery.
Now, those who once fled from the challenge and avoided responsibility are returning to demand leadership. This is no time for games. President Ranil Wickremesinghe deserves to continue leading for the next five years, as the people of this country are unwilling to entrust the presidency to someone with no significant experience, such as someone who has never even served as a minister.
President Wickremesinghe has demonstrated a keen understanding of the self-serving motives of politicians like Rishad and Hakeem, who have contributed nothing to our area's development. In Karavakuppattu, where Tamils, Muslims, and Sinhalese Christians once lived together peacefully, a few divisive politicians have sown discord. We must reject those who seek to divide our people.
Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities have united in support of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has played a crucial role in rebuilding our nation. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past; we must move forward with a leader who has proven his commitment to our country's recovery.
Today, some are chanting " Ratama Anurata” (The whole country for Anura), but it should be changed to "Ratama Andurata” (The whole country into darkness). Meanwhile, Sajith Premadasa seems to believe he is already the President. These are comical figures, and the people are not ready to entrust the Presidency of this country to a joke.
The public knows that among the current candidates, none possess the maturity or qualifications to compete against President Ranil Wickremesinghe. His deep political wisdom, maturity, and international relations expertise have restored this country to stability. As a result, in the upcoming Presidential Election, President Wickremesinghe will secure a significant majority and undoubtedly emerge victorious.
It must be emphasized that there is no viable alternative to him at this moment. The people of this country are not willing to return to the bitter, difficult times of two years ago, nor are they prepared to stand in queues once again. Therefore, regardless of political affiliations, the people are ready to entrust President Ranil Wickremesinghe with another five-year term. I firmly believe his victory will be historic.
The Maha Sangha, other religious leaders, Members of Parliament Ishaq Rahuman and Wimalaweera Dissanayake, UNP Organizer for the Kalmunai and former Provincial Council member A.M. Jameel, along with former Provincial Council members, local government leaders, and a large crowd attended the event.
