President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged voters to support the gas cylinder initiative on September 21 to safeguard the country’s hard-earned progress. He emphasized that the International Monetary Fund’s support is for the current government’s program, and criticized Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake for making empty promises without a concrete plan for advancing the country.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during the “Ranil Can” (Ranil ta Puluwan) victory rally in Wellawaya yesterday (16). The rally, which drew a large crowd, was organized to reaffirm support for President Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election.
In his address, President Wickremesinghe further elaborated on his vision and plans for the nation.
“As Hambantota’s industries expand, the Wellawaya area will also benefit from the creation of an investment zone. Additionally, Monaragala is undergoing a comprehensive development program. What we need now is a mandate to advance these initiatives.
For the past four years, many young people have struggled to find employment. Next year, we plan to create 100,000 self-employment opportunities across both government and private sectors. Furthermore, we aim to provide funding for 50,000 individuals to receive training at their chosen institutions.
To achieve these goals, we must complete our journey across the vine bridge. We are close to the finish line, but we still have a little way to go. The vine bridge is currently facing some challenges, but with your support on September 21, we can successfully complete this critical phase.
Currently, two candidates, Sajith and Anura, are competing for your support, but neither has a viable plan for the country’s future. They can make promises, but they lack the capability to deliver. We need to continue our progress with IMF support, which is crucial for the government’s ongoing program.
I had agreed to a debate with former Agriculture Minister Anura Kumara, but I am still waiting for an invitation. The delay indicates a lack of substantive plans on their part.
Sajith, meanwhile, promises free things without a concrete plan. We must defend our hard-earned achievements and continue our progress. I urge everyone to vote for the gas cylinder on September 21 to secure our victory and advance our development agenda.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera:
The winning momentum in elections usually starts towards the end of the campaign. Those who prepared too early for the Presidential Election have already been defeated. You know we began this battle at the last moment. However, it’s important to say that not only Monaragala but the entire country has now rallied behind President Ranil Wickremesinghe for victory.
The people also remember who stepped forward to take responsibility for the country back then, among the 38 candidates running for President today. The very thing others said was “impossible,” President Ranil Wickremesinghe took on succeeded and proved was possible. As a team, we decided to support him because we know his ability to overcome challenges.
When I took over as the Minister of Agriculture, farmers didn’t have access to fertilizer. But as soon as President Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed office, he ensured that fertilizer was provided to farmers. As a result, today we are self-sufficient in rice, and not only paddy farmers, but all farmers are receiving fertilizer subsidies.
We have moved beyond traditional farming to introduce modern agriculture, and Farmers are now reaping the benefits. It’s worth noting that the government has set up a system where farmers can now earn around Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 00,000 per month.
When we take on challenges, we must overcome them. Right now, we are reducing the burden on the people’s lives. Some claim the country has been ruined, but we should remember that both Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake were part of that destruction. It was the JVP that led the country to bankruptcy, destroying property worth Rs. 200 million. The JVP, which couldn’t even manage a tea shop, has no right to present a Presidential candidate, let alone govern a country. This election will teach them that lesson. Instead of teaching them lessons, we need to ensure the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took on the challenge when others couldn’t. I ask all of you to take responsibility for ensuring his success and cast your vote for the “Gas Cylinder”.