President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that a true leader is someone who can work effectively with any team.
He criticized Sajith Premadasa, stating that despite his talk about teamwork, he fails to take responsibility as a leader. Wickremesinghe also remarked that Sajith is currently fulfilling an agreement by supporting Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Reflecting on his own leadership, the President highlighted how he successfully steered the country’s economy through a challenging period, working alongside a dedicated team focused on national recovery.
He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the country’s development program with the team chosen by the people in the next general election.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his address at the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally held at the Matugama private bus station earlier today (05).
The rally, organized to support his upcoming presidential bid, was attended by a large crowd, who warmly welcomed the President.
During the event, the “Five-Pronged” youth proposal was presented to the President, and a special song composed for him by Tarushi Anuttara Edirimanna was also performed.
In his speech, President Wickremesinghe addressed questions regarding his political team, clarifying that his candidacy for the presidential election is not about selecting a group, but rather demonstrating the strength and responsibility required for leadership. He emphasized that a capable leader does not necessarily need a team to talk about the responsibilities of the presidency.
The President also highlighted the proposal on the “re-examination and assessment of defence expenditure” outlined in the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s blueprint policy statement, urging them to provide an immediate explanation to the country regarding this matter.
Extending his remarks, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated:
“Two years ago, if anyone had asked whether elections could be held or if economic stability could be achieved, the answer would have been ‘no.’ However, we have now established economic stability and are conducting elections. This election is about securing the people’s mandate. I urge the public to support us in confirming this stability and launching an economic program that will prevent future bankruptcy. We revived the country’s collapsed economy in two years, but the journey is far from complete. We need another three to four years to finish this work, and we must continue with our planned initiatives. Our focus is on easing the burden on people’s lives, strengthening the rupee, and lightening the tax load. Additionally, we aim to boost employment and shift towards an export-driven economy.
Through the Agriculture Modernization Program, we are developing this area into a new crop centre, and a tourist hub will also be established to promote tourism. We are initiating multiple investment zones across the country, which will generate many new job opportunities.
Today, young people handed me a letter outlining their demands, and I want to assure them that we are working to fulfil these requests, including the establishment of a technical college in this area.
Some people ask me about my team. This election is not about selecting groups but choosing a president. When J.R. Jayawardene, Chandrika Kumaratunga or Mahinda Rajapaksa ran for presidency neither of them looked at others. When Maithripala Sirisena was nominated, we urged the United National Party to support him, and that’s why he won.
The focus should be on selecting the president, someone capable of handling the responsibilities of the office. I am not running to form a group. According to the Constitution, the group is selected during parliamentary elections, where 225 members are chosen, and the one with the majority can become Prime Minister. It is the people’s responsibility to elect competent individuals to Parliament. With the new anti-corruption law in place, I will take action against anyone who commits wrongdoing.
I work with the team I have, as a leader should be able to collaborate with any group. Currently, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has not been able to present a unified election manifesto. Instead, there are two conflicting ones. On one side, there is Nalaka Godahewa and G.L. Peiris, while on the other, Harsha de Silva and Kabir Hashim represent different ideas. These manifestos have inconsistencies.
One of the policy statements mentions a re-examination and reassessment of defence expenditure, which implies a reduction in military spending. They need to explain this to the country.
Despite not having a clear manifesto, the SJB is telling us to unite as a group. However, there are two factions within the SJB; like twins born at different times. G.L. Peiris and Nalaka Godahewa represent one side, while Harsha de Silva, Eran Wickramaratne, and Kabir Hashim represent the other. The SJB must decide which direction to follow. Can the country really be entrusted to such a divided group?
As opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa only strengthened Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and now Anura has become a challenge for Sajith. For this reason, Sajith cannot win the upcoming presidential election. I would like to remind the UNP supporters that voting for Sajith is essentially providing support to Anura Kumara. People have even started calling the SJB “AKD Oxygen.” So, on September 21st, I urge you to do your duty by cutting off that support.”
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said;
Two years ago, Sri Lanka’s economy experienced an unprecedented collapse, leaving the nation in despair and uncertainty about its future. Amid this turmoil, many leaders who could have steered the country fled. However, President Ranil Wickramasinghe stepped up to the challenge, providing crucial guidance and steering Sri Lanka back on track.
Assuming leadership during a period of political instability, President Wickramasinghe not only ended the tragic era of violence against MPs but also addressed the crisis in queues, where many lives were lost. His efforts to restore law and order have been instrumental in stabilizing the economy of the country.
As the presidential election approaches, no other candidate matches President Wickramasinghe’s combination of ability, experience, and international relations. Given his proven track record and qualifications, President Ranil Wickramasinghe is the most suitable choice for President in the upcoming election.
