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’For me to be back I must contest’: President on Presidential election
Feb 10 - President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed optimism of contesting the upcoming presidential election that is slated to be held this year.
The President revealed this during an exclusive interview with Indian news channel WION.
President Wickremesinghe, addressing concerns about China’s increased presence in the Indian Ocean region, stated, "....the island nation will not allow anything that would jeopardize India’s security."
The Sri Lankan leader emphasized, “We’ve kept Indian security in mind and we will not allow anything to happen that will be harmful to Indian security, and these are all hydrographical vessels.”
When queried about the Sri Lankan government’s decision to not allow the visits of Chinese vessels, Wickremesinghe, who is in Australia for the 7th Indian Ocean Conference, clarified that the administration decided to say no to ships from any country hydrographic matters as it is focusing on building its own hydrographical capacity.
“But if they are Navy ships that are coming in for visits, yes we will allow it,” the President informed WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Perth.
WION correspondent: And moving forward to the domestic aspects of your country. Elections happening this year.
President Ranil: Yes, both presidential and parliamentary.
WION correspondent: And, how optimistic you are that hopefully you will back
President Ranil: For me to be back I must contest
WION correspondent: And you do you plan to sir?
President Ranil: I mean, what’s your plan like my I have come here to put the economy toward my first duty is to focus on that we get out of bankruptcy.
WION correspondent: And do you think you’ve done a good job? I mean, what’s your view about the economy in terms of your tenure because you ultimately were the face of of the crisis in terms of emergence of Sri Lanka back to normalcy?
President Ranil: Well, I’m quite satisfied I feel we will be able to do this.
Comments - 62
Comments - ’For me to be back I must contest’: President on Presidential election
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SWITCHED ON Saturday, 10 February 2024 11:41 PM
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR EXCELLENT INTERVIEW AS STATED ABOVE. IRRESPECTIVE WHETHER YOU CONTEST THE COMING ELECTIONS OR NOT, THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY. I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE ARE NOW WELL INFORMED AND THEIR EYES AND EARS WIDE OPEN, CITIZENS WILL VOTE IN A PARTY WHO THEY BELIEVE WILL HAVE ON ITS AGENDA TO GO AFTER ALL THOSE RESPONSIBLE WHO BROUGHT OUR COUNTRY DOWN ON ITS KNEES AND ENSURE JUSTICE IS SERVED, GUILTY PUT BEHIND BARS, ILLGOTTEN PROPERTY, MONEY AND THE LIKES CONFISCATEDINCLUDING FUNDS AROUND THE WORLD AND IN THE COUNTRY FROZEN USING THE AVAILABLE AVENUES WORLDWIDE.
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Joshua Saturday, 10 February 2024 11:49 PM
Old fellows should be chased out. If we all have retiring age why nt these fellows ?
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Long in the Tooth Sunday, 11 February 2024 05:55 PM
You made my Day!
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Uncle Paradise Sunday, 11 February 2024 12:29 AM
You did contest, lose, and yet, here we are. So nothing's a guarantee.
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Gt Sunday, 11 February 2024 12:38 AM
1st duty was to protect thieves and conspire with criminals on how to repress people and hold onto power like hitler, for yoy to come back someone needs to leave the backdoor open again, the people never elected you in how many decades? Now you tax the people, even the poor who can't feed themselves then call it a victory? Sl is prospering? No just thr criminals in parliament, bring back stolen money and we will be out of bankruptcy you don't need to bankrupt the public to save your own arse
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Single Cell Sunday, 11 February 2024 02:10 AM
Put all you political, racial, religious , god knows what ever differences aside! Use your mung ata Brains!!!’ and elect this person as your president! Otherwise the country may go to the abyss again…. Maybe next time their will be no saving it !
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Indra Dasa Sunday, 11 February 2024 02:47 AM
At present Sri Lanka not paying international and Local Debts ( Bonds Payments or Loans ) . Also world Tourism is increasing after COVID lock downs in the world and as result of booming world tourism industry Sri Lanka also returning to it's tourism industry even facing many obstacles. A responsible government usually urgently attends to clear those obstacles , but the current government and the leadership still not providing necessary steps to resolve such issues. Therefore this leadership in the care taker government not doing their job to come out from the current economic conditions . Instead they are spreading NEOPOTISAM and allowing their close friends to do what ever they wants to make funds for their survival by using the current situation in the country . Because of the IMF loans and selling Public wealth to private overseas companies as well as also same time engaged in under the table dealings members of the current government think
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Nodaking kalakani Sunday, 11 February 2024 04:22 AM
One big problem... there won't be a Rajapaksa to sit you in the presidents chair.
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Somapala Sunday, 11 February 2024 04:51 AM
You always do things from the back !!!!!!
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Back is ok Sunday, 11 February 2024 01:58 PM
Someee, you have happy experience it seems. Enjoy the experience back then
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Manik Sunday, 11 February 2024 05:10 AM
Absolutely, you have to contest and show whether you are an acceptable leader of the people
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Ranil Rajapaksa Sunday, 11 February 2024 06:55 AM
My first duty is it get the country out of bankruptcy, I and my rajapaksa friends put the country onto. Staying out of prison is also a good motivation.
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Man Sunday, 11 February 2024 07:20 AM
Indirectly implies that the Presidential election must be held to contest. That means no elections like that over due local government election. Because, even the commission is manipulated by Ranil as usual.
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Andrew Silva Sunday, 11 February 2024 07:28 AM
Mr. President you became the President with out contesting. You even did not become a MP because you lost your seat at the last election. What is up your sleeve this time?
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Venus Vinayagaratnam Sunday, 11 February 2024 03:31 PM
Playing Suba saha Yasa! Good luck!
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Progress at a Minimum with his Leadership Sunday, 11 February 2024 07:38 AM
As usual going around the bush most of his answer's. He feels very accomplished by answering that way but actual fact not sure how to answer it positively. That’s why country still messed up with progress at a minimum.
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Nimal Sunday, 11 February 2024 07:42 AM
This pin president may be satisfied that he has performed well, however, the people are not. Far, far from it. If any election is held he and his goons will be chased away as happened in the parliamentary elections that were held a few years ago.
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kamal Sunday, 11 February 2024 04:10 PM
sir, first learn to speak. do not waste your time speaking nonsense like lalkantha. lol
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Gabriella Sunday, 11 February 2024 08:05 AM
Let’s face facts. The man is capable. However, he is a narcissist, totally devoid of empathy and, easily pliable by the corrupt. A chameleon who has regressed to a jellyfish.
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Retired Doctor Monday, 12 February 2024 08:41 AM
Was proved 'incapable' six times! Is 'culpable' regarding many matters.
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warren Sunday, 11 February 2024 08:16 AM
Dear Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe, you are the only hope we have. You are a pragmatic leader who has shown results. You were bold enough to take the country's leadership when it was on the brink of socio-economic collapse. You are genuine and accept that we are still not out of the woods. Who would admit that in an election year? Those who expound on big rhetoric now (so-called social media-created leaders) were tremulous when they were invited to assume the country's top position. A few may create a cacophony of noises on the Internet, but the SILENT MAJORITY is with you, Mr President!
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sam Sunday, 11 February 2024 08:31 AM
NATO, no action talk only
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Johan Sunday, 11 February 2024 08:41 AM
Yes he is quite satisfied because he is enjoying perks and privileges along with all the Rakapakses while ordinary people have mortgaged their jewelleries vehicles properties and assets worth of Rs.33000M For them to survive and pay taxes to government while they are consuming only two foods a day with a great difficulty
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Sokrates Sunday, 11 February 2024 09:24 AM
If Ranil believes that he has even the slightest chance of being elected in the presidential election and that he has been successful in his previous economic policies, this indicates progressive dementia. He should use his power to ensure that a young, qualified economist and steadfast democrat, who is above all suspicion of corruption, is elected president.
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The political forecaster Sunday, 11 February 2024 10:19 AM
Being in politics for decades, he clearly knows the outcome if he contests. As many predicted, he'll not contest. He pretends he's contesting here to retain support from officials and his supportive politicians.
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Jude Sunday, 11 February 2024 10:24 AM
YOU'LL Face an humiliating defeat. Last general elections your UNP lead by you received only 249,435 voters from 16.2 million eligible voters!!
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sam Sunday, 11 February 2024 10:40 AM
First he must know whether he is coming or going!
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as mad as a hatter Sunday, 11 February 2024 06:25 PM
He sure knows that is going soon.
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Sirinaga Palangoda Sunday, 11 February 2024 11:12 AM
Of course, remember the last time went to the parliament through the back door! This time even the back door will not open for you - Kaalakanniya!
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RR Sunday, 11 February 2024 11:42 AM
RANIL WANTS EVERYTHING ON A PLATTER
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YLG Sunday, 11 February 2024 11:52 AM
Ranil should be president for one more term at least till a suitable candidate appears. He's not perfect but we'll be in trouble if he doesn't. But unfortunately Sri Lankans never used their brains when voting. Always governed by race, cast and class systems. So let's see what happens!
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Lasantha Jayasinghe Sunday, 11 February 2024 12:31 PM
If he is so sure that he has done a good job, he has to contest - instead he is dithering and that says everything!
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SenPera Sunday, 11 February 2024 01:10 PM
The greatest president Sri Lanka ever have, to save it from the disaster brought about by Gota and his voters without being elected. Hopefully he runs again to keep the country stable!
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Sagara Sunday, 11 February 2024 03:04 PM
Dream on bumboy...
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Ranjith Sunday, 11 February 2024 01:40 PM
Yes you contest and see what happens what have you done as President you are simply borrowing and putting the country into more debt planning to sell all our valuable assets which generate profits handing over the country to India and China manage our ports and airports putting maximum burden on the people corruption on rampart man with a brain will not vote for you and you are protecting Rajapakses who should be in jail.
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Lumbini Sunday, 11 February 2024 02:03 PM
Just go home Ranil.
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Ron Sunday, 11 February 2024 02:13 PM
Our people are hipocritics before he became President the country was in dairstraight whole country was in a huge mess if not for Mr President god knows what would have happend we are very lucky that he manage to put country back on the track people shouldn't forget that...we people like complaining its a hell of a job......
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Amaran Sunday, 11 February 2024 02:18 PM
Today, I decided to give my vote to our President RW. No one can come close to his political knowledge and maturity My best wishes to him.
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Bala Sunderam Monday, 12 February 2024 06:40 PM
Oya gonek!!
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Jabila Sunday, 11 February 2024 04:08 PM
first change the constitution stripping off presidency, referendum then come thru list as ex.PM.
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Single Cell Tuesday, 13 February 2024 07:34 AM
It will be done in due course as you are aware abolition of the 2nd amendment to the constitution is on the cards for a very long time. It was promised since 1993 many times but never eventuated as it was used as the TRUMP card for sovereignty during the civil war period that was the greatest threat to our democracy back then. I’m not sure your knowledge in this nor not sure of your experience as a citizen in the constitutional matters. But to hold an any referendum or an election is very costly as well as disastrous to political stability as it takes the country away from its priorities. Maybe a better solution is to hold a referendum at the same time as general elections. That is just a thought.
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sam Sunday, 11 February 2024 04:28 PM
You are there now without winning a election, so you can be back with or without election.
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Dan Sunday, 11 February 2024 04:29 PM
You had been the leader of the UNP for the past 30 years since 1994. Before you want to contest as the Presidential candidate, show us that you can win an election with the strength of your party instead of being a common candidate or else getting someone else to contest on your behalf.
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Ranjith Sunday, 11 February 2024 05:24 PM
Biggest joker of the century after destroying our not giving proper leadership as opposition leader and allowing Rajapakses to go to town now you are destroying the country, our party was very strong When JR and RP were the Presidents not only that they were strong even when they were in opposition, what happened to UNP after you became the leader, as UNPears we will never forget that, go and get the vote SLPP.
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ROSH Sunday, 11 February 2024 05:46 PM
Of course he loves others back. He turned himself on riding on others back. Normal folks are struggling to walk on his steamy double bed on mile high club
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Madcap Sunday, 11 February 2024 06:03 PM
Mr President your fox brain is not going to work this time. You will have to do an online Exit sooner than later.
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Lanka putha Sunday, 11 February 2024 06:50 PM
Sorry sir. No body is very keen on you coming back so you can have a good rest.
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Patcitz Sunday, 11 February 2024 11:21 PM
You MUTT Ranil, Sri Lanka has ended up in utter MESS after you grabbed power in an American PLOT that ousted legitimate people's leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the Presidency. Mutt Ranil must take care of the security of Sri Lanka rather than promising Indians on Sri Lankan soil.
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Pantha Kumaran Sunday, 11 February 2024 11:57 PM
Ranil , you know very well you are a loser in election. You are too old now and why not you handover the job to a young, educated, corrupt free person. We have no faith on you or for that matter the Rajapakses. If you care about our country please go for good.
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Kps Monday, 12 February 2024 12:06 AM
Great news! Show your democratic leadership by facing an Election. “ We the people will decide “
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Fred Monday, 12 February 2024 03:07 AM
Let the people decide
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No one past 75 must lead Monday, 12 February 2024 03:49 AM
All Credit for temporary stability. You have no chance in hell as you PROTECTED THE CORRUPT RAJAPAKSA FAMILY, YOU ARE IMMORAL AS YOU DID NOT INITIATE ACTION AS MR WANTED YOU TO PROTECT THE GROUND FOR A BELOW PAR PODI SATAKAYA. REPRESSIVE LEGISLATION AND TEAR GASSING AND USE OF WATER CANNON WILL NEVER WIN VOTES.IF YOU WERE CONCILIATORY AND GOT CLOSE TO THE PEOPLE YOU STOOD A CHANCE. AANYWAY THE PUBLIC MOOD IS THE OLD BRIGADE MUST GO. SIMPLE IF YOU DIE TOMORROW WILL THE COUNTRY DISAPPEAR FROM THE PLANET. YOU ARE WISE IF YOU DO NOT CONTEST
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Dan Monday, 12 February 2024 04:27 AM
Is this optimism for contesting. What I understood was that he was indirectly stating that he won't be contesting. Anyone surprised??
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AJ Monday, 12 February 2024 06:37 AM
Why come back,it is highly unsure, people do not like you,they identify you as a stooge of rajapakshas, you are appointed by them to guard them from public backlash for stealing public funds, with rajapakshas support,try to be in the driving seat without thinking coming back,but you have to fix few committees to investigate rajapakshas embezzlement theft and fraud
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A Good Citizen Monday, 12 February 2024 06:43 AM
For God's sake keep out of politics as you done enough damage to that little paradise ( used to be) of ours. There are more intelligent and honest people are there to run the country you have ruined already! Get this serious and say bye right now , if you have some dignity left in you! you've failed not only yourself but the generations of poor Sri Lankans to come! The will curse you if you don't!
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sam silva2 Monday, 12 February 2024 06:47 AM
For mr.bean the clown to be president he must contest, to contest there must be an election at the last election he performed well to be kicked out of parliament and ruined the UNP and in the next elections he will ruin the SLPP. jobe well done papadamaa!.
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Jabila Monday, 12 February 2024 07:55 AM
They never letted him regain Sri Lanka. Those who accused him "Banku Hora" appointed him as president. Elections not needed. He must continue as the Ex.-PM with a consolation referendum. Then Jalabila will be less than electricity bila and people will be able to afford for everything they desire. The inefficiency in this country is how come the average minimal Jalabila is greater than minimal average Electricity bila(unwasted)? Those trade union and engineering pundits have to sort out to help the Paradise in the making. For country people who can eat rice with papadam everyday.
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BnW Monday, 12 February 2024 08:03 AM
Mr. President, in 2022 you took over from the shambles of people's best choice made in 2019. The so-called heros of today shied away then. Even world leaders recognise how you avert the biggest ever disaster that otherwise would have happened to this nation. Even after your residence being destroyed you took the challenge and turn around worse. Alas, the majority of gullible and short-sighted people of this country keep slandering you. It may be your passion in political career to do what you still continue to do, and history will show the people of this country how they were wrong. The majority of this country vote by their stomach and how they feel in their wallets. I think, it's time for you to leave such non-apprecitive people and take up a global position.
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Have you a short memory? Monday, 12 February 2024 08:51 AM
For all those gentlemen, who bash Ranil and claim that you are not a fan of MR, Basil or Namal, I still have a few questions. Who is the best alternative to Ranil? If your grouse is Ranil is protecting the former rulers, why are you flocking to Rajapassa meetings? Has your memory failed? Details of all past robberies are slowly trickling now.
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Terrence K Monday, 12 February 2024 09:10 AM
@Joshua - There is a saying Older the bull better the horn. We cannot deny the fact that there were some innovative things he did to the country in a crisis whilst he has also done the dirty work of the Rajapakses. Whilst there are pluses and minuses Ranil has the brain of a fox whether good or bad when taking some of the leading legislators who are sitting on their brains which have reverted to their posteriors. Ranil is a man of sorrows for a long time unable to achieve his dream to be President and now he is like an arecanut held in a areca Nut cracker by the Rajapakses not knowing his fate so he will act as the Greatest Pretender/Manipulator!!!!!!!!
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Ronnie Monday, 12 February 2024 12:14 PM
His Excellency is a key factor done a mighty job to provide peace to the country People should use own inushtive to judge whithout blaming. Things would have gone Terrible if not for Mr President he lifted with his capabilities stil more work to be done overall he is the real thing
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Ima Tuesday, 13 February 2024 08:44 PM
Contest is out of question, if contested, you never be able to come back, so anything in your crazy mind,be in post,without contesting
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