President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe 

• Expresses doubts if current NPP Govt. would manage to stay in power for even three weeks, let alone three months, following elections 
• Appeals to Gampaha voters to send in experienced persons to Parliament to navigate SL if NPP Govt. collapses 
• Claims if right persons are in Parliament, President Dissanayake can effectively govern for at least three years

Former President and United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe voiced strong criticisms at an election rally in Negombo, highlighting the current Government’s struggle with limited support.

Wickremesinghe questioned President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s lack of a majority, comparing it to his position when he was in office. “I am the former President without a majority. He is the current President without a majority,” he said, addressing the rally held in support of the New Democratic Front’s Gampaha district candidates.

The rally marked Wickremesinghe’s first public appearance for this year’s General Election campaign. He emphasised the UNP’s historical role in developing the Gampaha district, recounting his early political start in the area, and achievements like the establishment of free trade zones in Katunayake and Biyagama.

“This district, once undeveloped, saw tremendous growth through infrastructure projects and economic opportunities created by successive Governments,” he said, adding that the district can now compete alongside Colombo as a key economic hub.

Wickremesinghe’s appeal to voters centred on the candidates’ competence in tackling pressing national issues, especially economic recovery and climate change.

He endorsed Ruwan Wijewardena as an expert in climate change, with experience in international conferences, contrasting him with the National People’s Power (NPP) candidates. He also praised Ministers Lasantha and Nalin Fernando for their practical experience in transport and agriculture, respectively. “Vote for the gas cylinder symbol and send these experienced persons to Parliament,” he urged.

“Looking at their line-up, I doubt this Government will hold for three months, maybe not even three weeks. That’s why it’s crucial to vote for those capable of leading the country effectively,” he said.

In a final message to the Gampaha voters, Wickremesinghe encouraged them to choose candidates committed to policy continuity and economic progress. He noted the Government’s limited Parliamentary support and the potential for instability, citing rumours that the President’s tenure might be shortened by political challenges within his own coalition.

“If the right persons are in Parliament, the President can effectively govern for three years. Otherwise, there will be more shortages in this country,” he warned, alluding to recent supply issues.

“Anura has told me to stay at home if I lose. I accept that. I ran in the Presidential election, asking the people for their support, but the majority didn’t vote for me, so I lost. However, he also lacks a majority, 51% of the people didn’t vote for him either. So, what sets us apart? I am a former President without a majority, and he is the current President without one. Just like him, I don’t have the majority. So, what’s the big difference? We’re both in the same position,” he claimed.