Commenting on opposition leaders Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President Ranil Wickremeisnghe argued that their calls for change were superficial, stating that if they truly cared about the people, they would have joined the effort to alleviate hardships, such as the long queues faced by citizens.
Addressing a "Ranil ta Puluwan" (Ranil Can) rally held in Nuwara Eliya yesterday (15), President Wickremesinghe criticized them for falsely promising to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reduce taxes, noting that neither had initiated any discussions with the IMF.
"Sajith Premadasa talks about giving everything for free and promises a long list of unrealistic pledges. He claims they will reduce taxes, while I have stated clearly that we will engage with the IMF on these matters. Anura Kumara even challenged me to a debate, and I accepted, but I have yet to receive an invitation. Why hesitate? Sajith and Anura talk about negotiating with the IMF, but so far, no one has taken any steps toward that," he said.
The President also emphasized the importance of continuing Sri Lanka’s agreements with the IMF to maintain economic stability.
Urging citizens to reject leaders who make false promises to gain power, warning that such leaders could jeopardize the country's economic stability, President Wickremesinghe pledged that over the next five years, the nation would undergo significant economic, political, and social transformations, with a structured approach to delivering relief to the public.