A Message from the President to SJB and JVP
While other leaders make promises on stage, I take to the stage having fulfilled my promises
– President says in Ratnapura
“Remove Proposals to Increase Public Sector Salaries from Policy Statements – Action Already Completed”
President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led National People’s Power (NPP) to remove proposals related to increasing public sector salaries from their manifestos, stating that this work has already been completed. He noted that two years ago, no one would have believed that he would be able to stand on a platform today and announce that public sector wages had been increased, emphasizing that he consistently fulfills his promises,
unlike other leaders who merely make promises on stage.President Wickremesinghe made these remarks while addressing the “Puluwan SriLanka” victory rally held in the Pelmadulla area today (03). A large crowd attended this public event, organized to endorse President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory in the upcoming presidential election.
In his speech, President Wickremesinghe further asserted that Sajith Premadasa cannot win the upcoming presidential election. He compared the opposition’s actions to the play “Maname,” suggesting that they are handing over the victory to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and he urged members of the United National Party (UNP) not to let this happen.
Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe further commented, stating:
“Today, I received the report on the salary increases for the public sector. I came to this stage to fulfill a promise, not to make new ones. Our promises have been fulfilled, and the results speak for themselves. That’s why I’m asking the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led NPP to remove the relevant statements from their policy documents.When we took over the country two years ago, no one believed we would be able to stand here today and announce an increase in public sector salaries.
On that day, my team courageously accepted this challenge alongside me. Members from various parties joined forces with us. We had to make difficult decisions to stabilize the country’s economy and protect the rupee. Had we not taken those steps, we would be in a much worse situation today, similar to what Greece faced.
We implemented the 2023 relief program to provide support to the people, and in 2024,we increased allowances for government employees to help them better cope with the cost of living.Our efforts do not stop here. We need to boost the gross domestic product (GDP) and further strengthen the economy. In the upcoming presidential election, I am seeking a mandate to take these next steps toward a secure future. Ensuring the economic stability of our country is crucial. Although we have been implementing this program for the past two years, the country’s economic stability has not yet been fully established, and there is still a risk of economic collapse.
Therefore, we can only move forward through a structured and formal plan.We have also discussed initiatives to strengthen the gem industry, aiming to restore SriLanka’s position in the global market for gemstones. Additionally, we are developing a program to enhance the welfare of miners and ensure their protection. These efforts,along with our agricultural modernization program, are designed to drive these activities forward with strength and determination.
Through these various initiatives, we are creating a new economic framework for the country and working towards broad social change. Currently, 25% of our population falls into the low-income category, and many people lack access to health and education services despite having some income. We are committed to a revolution thatprovides quality education, healthcare, and increased income opportunities for these groups, integrating them into society.
It is essential to affirm the rights of women, who make up the majority of our population. We have passed the Women’s Empowerment Act for the first time, which provides women the opportunity to assert their rights. A separate office will now be established in every police station to report violence against women; an initiative that no other party is even discussing.
Furthermore, we are working towards establishing a Social Justice Commission to address issues of marginalization due to caste and lack of social acceptance. This commission will be a critical step towards transforming society. Simultaneously, we are committed to reforming the political system.While others merely talk about corruption, we take action against it. We have developed some of the best anti-corruption laws in the world and have passed the Anti-Corruption Act. More draft laws are in the pipeline. Talking about corruption alone is meaningless; there must be a structured program to tackle it, and I am the only one with such a program.Although some claim they will catch thieves, effective institutions are necessary to do so. We are strengthening these institutions. This is not the work of politicians; it is the work of the courts. Our role is to empower these institutions so that they can do their job. It is the responsibility of the judiciary to enforce punishment, and as politicians, we cannot interfere with that process.
Otherwise, it would be like the judgment Major Mallika gave when the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was taken to court at Uragas Manhandiya. I have no intention of playing Major Mallika’s role.We are also working on creating a new system that includes a second legislative body,which increases the representation of youth and women by establishing a People’s Assembly (Jana Sabha), reform the voting system, and regulate the behaviour of
parliamentarians. I want to emphasize that we are committed to making these substantial changes.While others engage in rhetoric, meaningful economic, social, and political change can only be achieved through the Puluwan Sri Lanka program.
Today, I want to tell members of the United National Party (UNP) that our policies closely align with the true principles of the UNP. We proceed based on these principles,and therefore, you should cast your vote in favour of advancing these policies.Sajith Premadasa cannot win. A vote for Sajith will only serve to strengthen Anura
Kumara Dissanayake. What they are effectively doing is extending a hand to Anura Kumara, much like the character of Maname Kumari. I urge them to refrain from doing so.”
Media Division
Ranil 24 – Puluwan Sri Lanka
