– The President remarks during the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally
““Puluwan Sri Lanka” A Unifying Force to Protect Our Nation”
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” election campaign is not a platform to divide the nation, but a movement where all Sri Lankans unite to safeguard the country. He made these remarks during the maiden “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally held at Anuradhapura’s Salgadu Stadium yesterday afternoon (17).
Anuradhapura served as the launch site for a series of public rallies across the island aimed at securing President Wickremesinghe’s victory in the upcoming presidential election. A large crowd from the Rajarata region, representing diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, warmly welcomed the President at the Salgadu Stadium.In his address, President Wickremesinghe stated that the country’s economy was not built by leaders such as Sajith Premadasa, Anura Dissanayake, Harsha de Silva, or Sunil Handunnetti.
He highlighted that the significant economic progress in 2022 and 2023 was driven by his government’s provision of adequate fertilizer, which enabled farmers to achieve successful harvests.The President also criticized opposition leaders Sajith Premadasa and Anura Dissanayake for speaking about the people’s hardships on political platforms, calling it ironic. He argued that if they truly understood the suffering of the people, they should have taken charge of the government and offered solutions to the nation’s problems.The President inquired about the whereabouts of Sajith Premadasa and Anura Dissanayake when the price of a gas cylinder reached Rs. 6,800, demanding that they respond to this question. He implied that if they do not, they may be asked to take thestage and address the issue directly.
“Today, you are all gathered here not for an election campaign where parties clash, but for a movement dedicated to securing the future of our people. The rain today signifies our unity. This is not a place of division, but a gathering where the all Sri Lankans unite to save our nation.That is why I am running in the presidential election as an independent candidate without party affiliation, under the symbol of the gas cylinder. Those present here today are the ones who stepped up to save the country when other leaders absconded.
People from various political parties are gathered here, representing our collective commitment to unite the country and build a better future for its citizens. This movement is not about my personal ambitions or the future of the ministers here; it is a program for the people of this country.At a time when there was no electricity and everyone lived in darkness, no fuel forcing people to walk, no gas with cylinders exploding, no medicine leading to deaths on the streets, when hotels were closed and factories collapsed, I, along with the PrimeMinister, took on the responsibility of leading the country.
No one else was willing to step forward. The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned, as did the former President. The Leader of the Opposition fled, and Mr. Anura Dissanayake was nowhere to be found. At that time, the value of a dollar was equivalent to Rs. 377, a gas cylinder was priced at Rs. 4,901, a Laugfs gas cylinder at Rs. 6,850, petrol at Rs.470 per litre, auto diesel at Rs. 460 per litre, kerosene at Rs. 375 per litre, the minimum bus fare was Rs. 40, and electricity cost Rs.8 for the first 30 units, Rs. 20 for up to 60 units, and Rs. 30 thereafter. The people of this country endured great hardship during this period.
Where was Sajith Premadasa during this time? Where was Anura Dissanayake? If they were truly aware of the people’s suffering, they could have stepped in to take over the government and address these issues.
If the opposition leader understands his responsibilities, he should have assumed control of the government when the previous administration resigned. If the first opposition did not take up this role, then the second opposition should have. Yet,where were they? Today, they speak about the burden on the people’s lives, but failed to act when it was crucial.
I would like to question where Sajith Premadasa and Anura Dissanayake were when the price of a gas cylinder climbed to LKR 6,800. Why did they not take action at that time? We will continue to ask this question at every stage. They must provide answers; if they cannot, they should refrain from running in the election. I invite both
Sajith and Anura to join us on either side of this stage.Currently, the price of a Litro gas cylinder is LKR 3,690, a reduction of LKR 1,220.Similarly, the price of a Laugh gas cylinder has decreased to LKR 3,680, down by
LKR 2,170. This is why I have chosen the gas cylinder as my election symbol—it is a fitting representation. Additionally, we have reduced the price of petrol to LKR 344 a litre.
Auto diesel has been reduced to LKR 317 a litre, and crude oil is now LKR 202. The minimum bus fare has been set at LKR 28. Electricity costs are now LKR 6 for the first 30 units, LKR 9 up to 60 units, and LKR 18 thereafter.
However, I am not entirely satisfied. The dollar, which was LKR 377, is now LKR 303. This is just the beginning; there is still much work to be done. Regarding the claim about fertilizer bundles costing LKR 40,000, this is inaccurate. At that time,fertilizer was unavailable in the country. The current economic recovery was not
achieved by Sajith Premadasa, Anura Dissanayake, Harsha de Silva, or Sunil Hadunnetti.
In 2022 and 2023, we ensured that farmers received the necessary fertilizers,providing much-needed ‘Aswesuma’. The Malwatu Oya Reservoir project will also be completed with our commitment. We understand the hardships faced by the people,and while increasing VAT was a difficult decision, it was necessary to stabilize the economy. We made these choices with the knowledge that they would ultimately benefit the country’s financial situation.
We have not overlooked the challenges faced by government employees. In January 2024, we provided a LKR 5,000 allowance, followed by an additional LKR 10,000 in April. Looking ahead to 2025, the cost of living allowance will be LKR 25,000, and public service salaries will see a 24% increase, establishing a minimum wage of LKR 55,000.In the past two years, we have provided LKR 25,000 in relief—an amount no other solvent government has matched. This was possible due to our effective management of the economy. We have significantly increased benefits for senior citizens and disabled persons.
Additionally, the Urumaya program has been implemented, granting legal rights to the lands you have cultivated. Although these programs were temporarily paused due to the elections, a dedicated authority has been appointed to oversee the issuance of land deeds for 2 million people. This program is expected to be completed within two years, and if necessary, new laws will be introduced to support it.
We have ensured that no one is left behind and have initiated a program to share rights equitably. The concessions we have provided are a result of our successful partnership with the International Monetary Fund. Following the terms of this agreement will secure a relief of USD 13 billion in debt payments. However, if this agreement is altered, these concessions could be lost. Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa have suggested changes that could lead to renewed economic problems,such as shortages of fuel, medicine, and gas.
Therefore, I challenge Sajith and Anura to explain how they would address these issues. If such a crisis arises, they may again retreat from the challenge. The only team capable of saving the country is here with me today. I am here without party affiliation, focused solely on securing your future. We have a clear plan to develop the country.
During former President J.R. Jayewardene’s tenure, the Cultural Triangle was established, leading to the development of Dambulla and Sigiriya. Last month, when the UNESCO Director General visited Sri Lanka, I requested her assistance in designing Anuradhapura with a similar vision. We are committed to transforming Anuradhapura into a prominent Buddhist centre and re-establishing Maha Vihara University.
Let us advance together. I invite everyone to join us in making this country the granary of the East and to drive our progress forward.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena:
On September 22, Ranil Wickremesinghe will become the President. As the country and its people engage in a crucial political battle, the citizens of Rajarata have taken the lead in delivering a victorious start. Anuradhapura, our nation’s oldest city, is a fitting backdrop for such political contests. I’ve spoken from Salgado Grounds in the last two presidential elections, but today, the turnout surpasses both those occasions.
Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader capable of strengthening the economy and ensuring the stability of the government. As President, he has safeguarded democracy without violence and has made significant strides in bolstering the economy.
In a time of deep crisis, no other leader stepped forward to take responsibility for the country. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe did, creating an environment where the people can live in peace. This is more than just a political battle; it’s a fight for the country’s development. Let us, therefore, continue this election campaign with vigor and secure a resounding victory for the President’s leadership.
