’We need strong mandate to make revolutionary change’: Anura Kumara

22 August 2024 09:14 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 65 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 22 (Daily Mirror)- Claiming that a minority government will not help make the expected change, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today he was hoping for a strong mandate to make a revolutionary change.

Speaking at a rally in Piliyandala, he said people were yearning for a change over a long period of time and that the right time for a change will dawn on September 21.

"There has been a wide discussion for a change in the country over the years. There is no point in talking about or dreaming of a change. For the first time in Sri Lanka, the opportunity has come for a change," he said.

Dissanayake said the strength of a government is not decided by the number of MPs in Parliament, but by the trust placed on the government by the people.

"We assure you that we will develop this country. People brought in various leaders like Bandaranaike, JR, Chandrika and Mahinda, hoping that they would make a change. But, they never did. The peoples' aspirations were shattered for 76 years as aspirations of the rulers and the people were never the same. For the first time, the peoples' aspirations have been the same as ours. People want to stop fraud and corruption, we also want to do so. The peoples' aspiration is to stop organised crimes and the drug menace, we also want to do that," he said.

Comments - 65

Dileep Thursday, 22 August 2024 09:50 PM

I don't think we want any more of your so called 'revolutions'. We had enough of it in the late 1980's brother.

51 78

Ruwan Thursday, 22 August 2024 11:25 PM

AD is correct. Without a clear mandate you cannot root out corruption and uplift the country.

14 22

Man Friday, 23 August 2024 10:43 AM

Uplift the country by (i) Collecting 500 US $ each from Sri Lankan's who have migrated or abroad. (ii) Printing money (SL) resulting in inflation (iii) Sell whatever available (iv) Take over all the Fixed deposits of Sri Lankans. (v) Devolution of Judicial power to carders, like in 1988-90. Devolution of Judicial power to carders with dispute resolution councils, like in 1988-90. Allowing loans for public without any guarantor so that the depositors will have no money in their accounts. What a way indeed in their system change!

3 8

Gamini Friday, 23 August 2024 05:09 PM

Former President had the highest ever mandate by any President, what happened? That mandate was misused to plunder and run down the nation, refusing to budge even after the many months long aragalya protest saying "I have the mandate" It is not a mandate, but integrity that is required.

0 3

Tam Thursday, 22 August 2024 11:48 PM

Speak for your self. The majority wants them because the scum who ruled this country for 70 odd years have looted our country till we ended up bankrupt. You people are suckers for punishment.

20 16

Man Friday, 23 August 2024 10:44 AM

NPP / JVP too responsible as ministers with Chandrika and canvassing for Mahinda in 2005 after Mahinda's swindling of Helping Hambanthota. They destroyed the public properties in 1971 and 1988-1990, too.

2 14

Ranjan Friday, 23 August 2024 03:09 AM

Dileep, I don't agree with you. Don‘t you like to change this present corruption, fraud and to create a transparent law and order. You mentioned about 1980’s riots. Look at Germany that time Hitler and now. Present JVP/NPP don't have the same ideology what they had in 80s

30 19

Voter Friday, 23 August 2024 08:45 AM

Speak for your self to live with the current set of leaders and the same system brother. We however respect your opinion and freedom.

3 11

Gabriella Friday, 23 August 2024 09:12 AM

A more appropriate and voter friendly word would have been progressive. Regardless, if there isn't meaningful change at this election, pack your bags and get the hell out of the country.

1 20

Politics Thursday, 22 August 2024 10:50 PM

All indicators are that the NPP will win by 60% in the first around as of today. It could go up or down but all indications are they are leading all polls done by many groups . If so; they will create a history in politics. Our best wishes and the country is heading for a new direction..

75 61

Tissa Fernando Friday, 23 August 2024 08:01 AM

Country will be heading in very negative direction with underworld running the daily affairs. It will be an era of fear and oppression for many but for JVP cadres it will be an golden opportunity to make money by doing nothing.

24 20

Gamini Friday, 23 August 2024 09:08 AM

Not long ago the same people (6.9M) casted their votes to make SL like Singapore, what followed is history, with the voted running away to Singapore

7 22

Morajee Sena Friday, 23 August 2024 10:40 AM

The trend now will turn to only 30%-35% @ the election day. That is the truth. If NPP wins also it will definitely like the GOTA period. They do not have a good team to lead the country.

5 8

Jagath Thursday, 22 August 2024 10:53 PM

I heard his speech today on TV. He is trying to give every benefit to the people by collecting a default 7.6 billion tax from Liquor companies. Never give a credible income source. Before giving the mandate to such a person, people have to think thoroughly. He said he is planning to give a minimum of Rs. 10,000 to 7 million people. To implement this, the annual cost to the government would be a minimum of Rs. 840 billion, which is almost equivalent to the current govt. servants salary. Govt needs to increase VAT by at least 50% to get money. Cheating the voters. This is worse than Basil.

43 82

Jayampathi Thursday, 22 August 2024 11:54 PM

The main reason for the collapse of our economy in 2022 is the Rs. 600 billion tax reduction given by Gota / Basil. Can't imagine what will happen to the economy if they implement those promises.

8 25

sachin Friday, 23 August 2024 01:44 PM

Main reason for economic collapse is Ranil Wick's debt mismanagement during yahapala era.

6 3

Chris Friday, 23 August 2024 06:32 AM

He will lead us to complete bankruptcy.!! Giving handouts is not the solution. He is only interested in coming to power. Hope our people will not fall for his false promises. We will be back to printing billions.

12 30

Yohan Friday, 23 August 2024 07:57 AM

Well said mate. His collection of revenue from those businesses is a day dream idea. Those owners will not pay a penny instead they will say they are willing to go to jail and anura will be in big trouble. IMF also will not release anymore funds when such foolish work is done. Anura will get kicked out way before than Gota.

7 26

Gamini Friday, 23 August 2024 09:10 AM

Jagath please translate this message in Sinhala and Tamil and make it viral-WA, FB. TikTok people need to know this without falling prey to give raise to another economic catastrophe

5 21

D P P Prasad Thursday, 22 August 2024 10:56 PM

He is exactly correct without a clear mandate at least how he governs country without proper mandate he is not in a position to execute policies as he promised even now The Supreme Court has given a verdict that the incumbent president has violated the fundamental rights of the voters by postponing the local government election There for subsequently to the presidential election both general and the local government elections should be held as early as possible even from the both election NPP should secure at least 2/3 majority in order to fulfil the pledges being given by the NPP

53 37

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 22 August 2024 11:16 PM

What policies he promises to implement? Is it 88 89 policies? Most likely yes. Are you hoing to be a village chief?

10 19

CommonSense Friday, 23 August 2024 12:28 AM

Such a stupid comment. None of the amendments are constitutional - including the 13A which this prat leader supports - since none were voted for by the People. His slogan of "76 years" is hilarious. His forefathers and leftist idiots imposed a politicised constitution in 1972 that had NO MANDATE whatsoever from the People. The morons then didn't even win 50% of the vote having promised Rice from the Moon. This guy is another moron like them. Pro Indian and promising everything for free. We haven't had a genuine set of leaders who cared since 1955. The 76 year mantra is used by socialist fools like this joker to try and lump the good years we had with the left wing mess that we are in now. Ask this fool if he'll return the stolen assets of People stolen by "the State" such as Estates, Refineries and Mines that belonged to hard working people!

5 21

What goes around comes around Thursday, 22 August 2024 11:01 PM

Youngsters who were born after 1989 have no idea what you guys were capable of. We are not born yesterday. You guys will never change. You guys are extremely good at slinging mud at your opponents, but it's very difficult for you to face when the same thing happens to you.

38 68

Rohantha Friday, 23 August 2024 08:26 AM

That is a doubt many people have. On the same , what has other guys have been doing all this time. Robbing the country.

5 13

Man Friday, 23 August 2024 10:51 AM

With files containing photocopies? Ridiculous! Who got the delivery of sentence over the bankruptcy of SL? They were unable to do anything even to get a case filed as such as to convict Rajapakshas'. Talks only with no action even in the case of remanding Rambukwalla and VFS matter they were dumb and deaf. Hilarious indeed about their ability.

2 11

B P Thursday, 22 August 2024 11:26 PM

We only know about a few persons around AKD and although they were never in power, some take them as non-corrupt, efficient individuals. Whatever it is, they should have 113 MPs, even for a simple majority in the Parli.. We know nothing about the balance about 100. Further AKD will have a real problem when he has to select from among old faithfulls and hundreds of new-comers who come to their meetings with uniform like T-shirts. Then only fight starts!

3 19

Volker Metzger Thursday, 22 August 2024 11:41 PM

Anura Kumara's statement that he needs a strong mandate to bring about revolutionary change in the country is not a groundbreaking discovery, but the result of his social analysis! The all-important question, however, is whether he will get the majority he needs to do this on the basis of his political program, and above all his economic ideas!??? There are grave doubts here! The statement that for the first time in 76 years the people's hopes for change are identical with his party and him is incorrect insofar as it can be assumed that the former ruling predecessors mentioned by Anura originally had the same identity, which was then followed by increasing disappointment and later often massive rejection! If Annura achieves his political goal, which I do not believe, he must be careful that massive rejection does not follow soon!

4 15

Nanthavarman L Friday, 23 August 2024 01:05 AM

AKD, please we dont want revolution, as you will only get awept away by it. These 10,000 payment etc. Where you make poor people lazy and not work at all. Also who pays for these? If you tax the rich they will leave the country as there are other countries where it is plesant to do business. Just run the country as it is sans corruption and fools put in places where they dont belong.

2 16

Citizen K Friday, 23 August 2024 02:03 AM

Being a professional in LNG industry overseas, I would say your dream about reducing electricity tariffs by one third using LNG will be a distant dream, not informed well. Your dream about refinery is another one. Rs10000 for every low income family, my bloody foot, people cannot find someone to do some work in their house holds. Free handouts are making such people more lazy. We have to brace for another round of bankruptcy That goes to show your advisors are empty fellows.

5 21

Lanka Friday, 23 August 2024 02:06 AM

AKD is the best ever national leader that Sri Lanka produced so far..with his science and maths background in education: he has excelled in his political debates; discussions and talks ...even Ranil and Sajths are scared to debate with him..NPP has cream of our intellectual and professional community with them and they are honest unlike all others...only cohort of Ranil and Sajith who are looting the public funds behind Ranil and Sajith ..

26 13

Man Friday, 23 August 2024 10:58 AM

As the agriculture minister under Chandrika, could not do any tangible thing. He ran away like Gota.

3 10

At last somebody remembered Anura! Friday, 23 August 2024 01:58 PM

At last, I am happy somebody remembered the past history of Anura. And this Anura now wants a strong mandate - to repeat what he did under Chandrika!

1 7

BnW Friday, 23 August 2024 02:34 AM

So, do you now understand why RW couldn't do all the miracles people expected him to do?

1 13

Amaran Friday, 23 August 2024 02:45 AM

We need a change but the change should usher prosperity. I feel Hon AKD can take us thru a correct path of prosperity. After the independence, all elected leaders, filled their pockets EXCEPT Sirimavo and R Premadasa. The Corrupt governments brought nothing but SUFFERING TO THE PEOPLE. Threfore, i make a HUMBLE REQUEST - please think differently to give the reign to Hon Anura Kumara.

19 8

Man Friday, 23 August 2024 11:01 AM

For (i) Collecting 500 US $ each from Sri Lankan's who have migrated or abroad. (ii) Printing money (SL) resulting in inflation (iii) Sell whatever available (iv) Take over all the Fixed deposits of Sri Lankans. (v) Devolution of Judicial power to carders, like in 1988-90. Devolution of Judicial power to carders with dispute resolution councils, like in 1988-90. Allowing loans for public without any guarantor so that the depositors will have no money in their accounts. What a way indeed in their system change!

3 5

No Friday, 23 August 2024 04:23 AM

You'll are all about revolutions and then decimate everything and do nothing to progress. Going by the history of JVP/NPP those are the facts. Absolutely nothing done so far other than talking big of communist agendas.

4 22

Citizens Friday, 23 August 2024 05:44 AM

You and your revolutions!! The previous leaders may have not done anything to develop the country but remember it was mostly due to the protests and destruction caused by your red comrades who opposed everything!! Even now that's what you people are doing, protesting and destructing!! The younger generation has no clue about anything, they just "go with the flow"! They have absolutely no "real life experiences" since they are only interested in their mobile phones watching YouTube, doing Tik Tok etc etc...they are so stubborn and arrogant that they don't want to listen to anyone who would advice them .. very sad situation.

6 17

Latha Friday, 23 August 2024 05:56 AM

Yes.

2 3

Citizen Friday, 23 August 2024 06:18 AM

Please keep Mr. Lal Kantha away, then you can win. His talks are arousing people and create doubt in people's minds.

4 8

DOT Friday, 23 August 2024 06:46 AM

Remember you guys had as much as 40 odd MPs. You could if you would but you didn't !

4 14

FredSnR Friday, 23 August 2024 06:56 AM

September 21 will give the answer. Whoever wins should have the youth in mind, youth aspirations will have to be met, where can the youth go otherwise, borders are getting closed, countries have their own problems to deal with.

0 5

Yohan Friday, 23 August 2024 08:02 AM

Those floating voters who voted for Gota at last years PE are the guys who wants this joker Anura as next president. It is better for the country if these educated but zero intelligence persons stop voting to any party because they make a blunder at election and then say we never thought this will happen etc. If the economy becomes unstable again if Anura comes, those zero intelligence persons should be identified by future government and remove these fellows voting rights.

5 18

Latha Friday, 23 August 2024 08:06 AM

With the amazement of Thalatha's Thala Keralla.

0 1

RanjithT Friday, 23 August 2024 08:11 AM

This is presidential elections not general elections. What mandate? Presidential election revolves round visions for future and broader issues such a economic monetary and foreign policies not I give this and that increase salaries reduce taxes. If one cannot comprehend that he is not suitable to be elected as president. Full stop period.

2 16

Wathsi Friday, 23 August 2024 08:46 AM

Is this fellow no more into "abolishing the executive presidentship"? And, now he talks about getting an absolute power! Does not he know that it is a dangerous move, I mean having a full control of the power?

3 16

Sokrates Friday, 23 August 2024 08:50 AM

The problem is that there is no real statesman among the presidential candidates. We have a senile grandfather who has become a dictator and does not act in accordance with the constitution. Then there is one who cannot get out of his father's shadow. He is stubborn and runs his own party in a dictatorial manner and cannot hold the party together. The next candidate comes from a criminal family. He cheated the people with his foreign companies and oil deals. The last one is well educated, clean and not corrupt like all the others, but comes from a socialist background. As it currently seems, however, he is the best choice among the unsuitable ones. He is the only one who can really bring about a change in the rotten and corrupt political culture. To date, none of the four candidates has presented a convincing plan to restore the economy.

14 5

Man Friday, 23 August 2024 11:11 AM

You mean that business star who became a successful businessman after having monopoly over the imports of Antigen kits, quarantine facilities for people coming to SL, etc. through Gota. Well, If no second and third preferences are marked, the most disliked will get elected.

0 1

Bandara Friday, 23 August 2024 09:02 AM

Gotabaya also requested the same thing. If you do correct things, simple majority is enough and other parties eventually should support you. One party ruling is dangerous as what China and other communist countries do. This is very similar to Gotabayas Election campaign. He also requested the same and result was null.

2 12

Born after 1989 Friday, 23 August 2024 09:02 AM

Being born after 1989 and experiencing what has happened to us and our country in the prime of my life, I am well aware of what the same old set of leaders are capable of. I will vote against all family and tribal political leaders and for a complete system change in governance.

13 3

Lasantha Friday, 23 August 2024 09:28 AM

You never knew how much wanton destruction these NPP guys brough upon the country. Then almost every necessary change that was needed and attempted by successive governments was opposed and sabotaged by these guys using union tactics and thuggery. Now they claim that nothing has been done over the years.

1 17

Dee Friday, 23 August 2024 11:56 AM

Make them win and you can experience what you couldn’t before 1989. Wish people like you the worst!

1 5

smith Friday, 23 August 2024 09:14 AM

people who want a system change should leave the country and migrate to better place and not be foolish to expect a system change with the same rotten politicians

6 13

Terrence K Friday, 23 August 2024 09:21 AM

Anura is a fake together with the other members. Can members who have been doctored from the beginning with communist ideas take this country to a path of growth through ill conceived ideas which are only dreams. Look at some of the utterances of their members which are extremes of hardcore revolutionaries in a democractic country. The strategy adopted to show large crowds is that in a big playground these cunning greedy fellows erect the stage occupying the middle of the grounds and then they get their supporters to occupy the balance other half and as such there is a spill over to the roads which show people present on roadways etc. whilst behind the stage people are not seen. So the public are duped and an imaginary atmosphere is created to show that there are followers. When the results are out you will see the duplicity. The leader is talking of looking after the needs of the general public is he practicing what he is preaching coming in a limousine etc!!!!!!!

7 19

Anuradha Friday, 23 August 2024 10:08 AM

People believe you. They will definitely give you the strong mandate to develop this country.

6 3

Arun perera Friday, 23 August 2024 10:08 AM

Only option Anura in this juncture

6 4

Bandara Gamaga Friday, 23 August 2024 10:17 AM

Change and reform are different. Sirima bought change with it poverty and malnutrition. AKD wants to give more free stuff to people, SL is not Saudi Arabia. This will drive inflation and higher cost. Need more investments and jobs. Not more handouts.

1 7

Roshanaly Friday, 23 August 2024 10:55 AM

First you win the Presidential Election, then keep the General Election after six months. We will see what you have done for that six months and then we will decide.

1 6

Imtias Friday, 23 August 2024 01:01 PM

We have heard this before and haven't finished paying the price.

1 5

Shelliah Friday, 23 August 2024 01:52 PM

God Bless you, hope you will run for change this time. our young generations waiting for change thats you come to solve this dreams. we had enough and enough last 75 years old Drama always seen all actors now we need new actors with micro ecconomical ideas in this digital world.

5 1

Tilak Friday, 23 August 2024 05:17 PM

The country is already in an economic mess and we do not collect enough taxes and have a huge debt to pay back. From where is he going to get Rs.10,000 per month for 7 M people, that would cost Rs.840 B annually. If the govt. had such a huge money, they could settle the debt and make this a debt free country.

0 4

Dilakshan Seneviratne Friday, 23 August 2024 06:03 PM

Anura will be our next President and will get a majority in the next parliament. NPP has developed a smart team of professionals with commitment, by sheer hard work. Their plans based on solid policies in every sphere are sound, credible and practicable. They are very democratic, completely non violent for over 30 years and no allegations of corruption or wrong doing. Intelligent people who want a better SL will vote for them. We can look forward to a better SL with hard work and good leadership, as there is so much potential in SL.

2 0

Puran Friday, 23 August 2024 07:55 PM

Enough is enough, This fellow is full of B.S. He has conveniently forgotten that JVP launched their violent revolution in 1971 and also in 1988-89. These fellows have some unexplainable hatred towards the innocent people and the state of Sri Lanka, they want to turn Sri Lanka into the killing field of South Asia, just like what Pol Pot did in Cambodia.

0 3

Lkf Friday, 23 August 2024 08:18 PM

We had our Monarchs for nearly 3000 years. We lost the last one in 1815. A triangle based on 3 pillars. The King falls, with him the aristocracy and land owners fall ; and the last pillar, the temple remains. After that, everything fell giving no hope and once again.

0 2

FredSnR Saturday, 24 August 2024 03:27 AM

To succeed . will need Problem Solvers those who will say that is the problem now what is the Solution. That is the way forward, the Only way forwar.Look at other small countries which developed despite limited resources, harsh conditions eg Singapore, New Zealand they are problem solvers

0 0

Mahila Saturday, 24 August 2024 07:50 AM

(Part II) The JOB of EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT, EXPLICITELY, "GOVERNANCE ABILITY" to PERFOM JOB under the "CURRENT CONSTITUTION ONLY"!!?? However, IF NECCESARY may CHANGE, BY “COOPERATION, CONSULTATION, and CONCENSUS” of ALL in PARLIAMENT (LEGISLATURE) including those opposed to your views, which ABILITY, you EXHIBIT!? IF YOU OR NPP DISAGREES, THEN THERE’S AN EXCRUCIATING ABSENCE OF “JOB-FIT”!!??

0 0

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