Message from the former President Ranil Wickremasinghe.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe thanked the Sri Lankan people profusely in a special speech for giving the mandate in the country’s 21st presidential election. He acknowledged that President Anura Dissanayake should now take over as leader of the country in conformity with the decision of the people.
““President Anura Dissanayake, With deepest affection, I entrust to you”the beloved child of Sri Lanka””
Sincere gratitude was sent by President Wickremesinghe to everyone who helped him during his administration. As he considered his duty as a caretaker, he said that he had led “the beloved child of Sri Lanka” through enormous obstacles, represented by the “Vine Bridge,” and he was certain that the trip would proceed effectively and safely under President Dissanayake’s direction.
Below is the complete transcript of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s address;
“Ayubowan!
Dear Citizens,
The people of the country have given their decision at this Presidential Election held on 21st September 2024. Therefore, we must respect their decision and act according to that mandate to ensure the functioning of the country.Two years ago, I took over a bankrupt country and a collapsed economy at an extremely turbulent time.I accepted the challenge at a time when no one else had the courage to face it.
I successfully completed the responsibility that history put upon my shoulders.I was able to rescue my motherland from bankruptcy within a short period of two years.I believe this to be the most important thing I could do for my country during my political career.Inflation was 70% when I took over the country, but I could reduce it to 0.5% during my time as the President.
I increased the Foreign Reserve, which was at USD 20 Million when I came to power, to USD 5.7 Billion.
I was able to ensure that the Sri Lankan Rupee which was 380 against the US Dollar, came down to a strong and solid amount of 300.Also, when I took over, the economic growth of the country was negative 7.3% (- 7.3%). But was able to increase it to positive 2.3% (2.3%). I am happy and proud about it.
I believe that the future generation of the country will give the proper assessment for my historical political role, the way it deserves.I am aware that my place in history as the ruler of this country will be decided not today, but in future.
I followed the right path and saved people from hunger and sorrow. I hope that the new President will also follow the right path and put an end to the remaining issues that the people are facing.I was eventually able to carry the dear child called Sri Lanka along a long distance safely – on the dangerous rope bridge.
Close to the very end of the rope bridge, people have decided to handover the dear child called Sri Lanka to President Anura Dissanayake.Mr. President, here I handover to you with much love, the dear child called Sri Lanka, whom we both love very dearly. I wish that you will be able to carry this child away from the bridge to the other bank, even safer than the way I carried the child.I will be devoted to serving my motherland with or without power, with or without a post or powers, for the rest of my life.I wish to thank everyone who supported me, who did not support me, and all the citizens of the country during my time as President. Thank you.”
