Ready to work with all who back my candidacy at the presidential poll: Ranil

1 July 2024 07:36 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 33

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Colombo.July 1 (Daily Mirror) - Responding to a request made by some government ministers that he should contest for the presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he is ready to work with everyone who made this request.

“Let’s get together and decide what we are going to do at the Presidential elections, and at the general elections. I am willing to work with all of you. Let’s all work together,” he told the politicians gathered at the rally held in Matara last evening.

“I had to pilot the ship Titanic which was stranded in the middle of the sea. I managed to bring it to a port. We now have to repair the ship. People have to decide whether they are going to hand over the ship to those who ran away when it ran into trouble in 2022,” he said.

“I would like to tell the opposition parties as well to support us to bring about more stability to the nation. I have already spoken to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (MP) Harsha de Silva who is the chairman of the Public Finance Committee and told him to support the debt restructuring agreements which we got into with various nations. I told him I will reveal some of the details on the agreements in Parliament next week. These agreements will certainly help us to come to an agreement with the international sovereign bond holders. We believe we can get into an agreement with bond holders next week. We can discuss all these agreements in the House,” he said.

Minister Kanchana Wijesekera who organized the rally said everyone in the SLPP and others are ready to back the incumbent President at the next Presidential elections. “You only have to announce your candidature as we are ready to support you,” the Minister said.

“Some say that a fraction of the SLPP will support Mr. Wickremesinghe at the next Presidential election. However I would like to state that SLPP as a whole will support the President. SLPP leaders fully understand the reality no matter what anyone says,” he said

Minister Harin Fernando Mr. Wickremesinghe will contest for the presidency as he is the one who is most suited for the post.

Comments - 33

Sambo Monday, 01 July 2024 07:56 AM

Only your bunch of thieves and uneducated morons will want to work with you as they have no future with you.

204 624

Krish Monday, 01 July 2024 08:00 AM

Of course. Let's work together to save our selves right?

77 122

Terrence K Monday, 01 July 2024 08:15 AM

Mr President please do not entertain all the rogues who led this country to bankruptcy to be a supportive part in your candidacy. For the last 74 years the country have had very good legislators but some have been rotten stuff who have destroyed the progress of this country whilst these politicians have enriched themselves to the detriment of the public. If we are to move forward we need to have politicians whose integrity has not be blemished. Sometime ago you were called Mr. Clean but you have soiled your hands by taking on board the Rajapakses and their clan. The Public are looking for politicians not only who could work for the benefit of the country with a team who will not rob the Public purse. Transparency and equality of the law are other areas that need to be focussed since some politicians have gone scot free who have manipulated the law and now resting in comfort zones.!!!!!!!!!!

32 61

Cisco Monday, 01 July 2024 10:26 AM

He himself (RW) belongs to the same category of politician who does not deserve to rule the country

105 223

Sach Monday, 01 July 2024 10:57 AM

He never was a Mr. Clean and is the prime ccause for SL bankruptcy

114 209

George Monday, 01 July 2024 04:00 PM

Terrence K Agree with your article. The President has built up the economy from bankruptcy. If the President wins the election, people would like to see Sri Lanka parliament too cleaned up of henchmen and thugs. The parliament needs educated professionals who could bring respect to the seat of parliament.

2 1

Amaree Monday, 01 July 2024 08:24 AM

Yes, people of SRI LANKA are looking forward to see incumbent President contest in the upcoming election. But NO MORE CORRUPTION in the country.

155 78

Call for Accountability and Integrity in Leadership Monday, 01 July 2024 08:35 AM

Regrettably, while he may appeal to specific voter demographics, he continues to rely on outdated tactics to maintain his grip on power. The populace is growing increasingly disillusioned with the entrenched establishment's relentless pursuit of control. It is imperative that he assume accountability for the deplorable state of our nation, ensuring that those responsible for transgressions are held accountable. Without genuine action, the support of the younger voter demographic remains unattainable. Merely resorting to handouts and political favors will not suffice to secure his position.

1 90

D P P Prasad Monday, 01 July 2024 08:44 AM

It is ridiculous that some ministers from the ruling party who are believed to be strong supporters of MR are now joining hands with RW Thus certain ministers who led to form the flower bud now are highly criticising the party leadership. Further present president should understand that certain ministers from the ruling government as well as the opposition as to why they amass around him. These ministers make the president deprived of his future aspirations.

1 41

Ahamed Monday, 01 July 2024 08:45 AM

UNP has nothing as they got only 500,000 like JVP, but the current situation is NPP is well ahead and very favorable.

28 86

Nimal 1 Monday, 01 July 2024 08:58 AM

.... by giving them bar permits and other perks.

43 138

Yohan Monday, 01 July 2024 09:02 AM

Ranil has almost zero support at grassroot level. He was not able to win a single presidential election was due to this fact. For example, even at 2015 general election after even reducing fuel and gas prices in massive amounts, he manage to get only 106 seats. Also lost Rathnapura, Kalutara, Hambantota, Monaragala, Kurunegala, Galle, Matara. If the then general election was kept say after 6 more months, unp would have list the general election to upfa. Also considering the current unpopularity of the government with visa scam, tax burden put on people by government overtakes any benefits given. So ranil will end up again at loosing side ones more. This time he will not be even among first two candidates after the results.

128 367

Gajaman Monday, 01 July 2024 09:02 AM

It is a good decision if he is sincere. He has been invited by some defectors from SLPP and few who pursued their personal ambitions, none of them are well received by the voters. Yet, RW must test what the citizens want. Besides if he does not hold the presidential election he is doomed, if he holds it, he may not win because likelihood is very slim. Yet it is a something for the old man to cherish as the citizens will not despise him any longer. His only chance to retire gracefully, that itself will be a victory for him.

68 98

Give Assurance Justice on the Wrong Doers Monday, 01 July 2024 09:04 AM

If you Give assurance that investigation process of the unresolved corruption and prominent murder cases will be carried out if elected, will definitely get thumping votes. We know currently your hands are tied as you had some agreement with the current regime and have limitations. But once the people vote you in, you are free to get all these looters and criminals to justice and start criminal proceedings. In the economic front, listen to the people needs and work from there.

1 67

ASSURANCES WOULD BE OF NO USE, ONE HAS TO HAVE GUTS AND A STRONG BACKBONE AND UNFORTUNATELY EDUCATION DOESN'T GIVE ONE THESE QUALIFICATIONS Monday, 01 July 2024 05:24 PM

FORGET ASSURANCES WAY TOO LATE. DOUBT HE WILL AS THE WHITE VANS WILL TAKE HIM AWAY, LIKE THEY DID MANY OTHERS WHO DARED TO COME IN THEIR WAY.

0 1

Lion Monday, 01 July 2024 09:23 AM

One very important work is to establish a barrier around Mina and his family

1 57

Patriot Monday, 01 July 2024 09:52 AM

Work with whom to suppress the people after giving a red carpet welcome to Rajapaksha clan. People will vote you out for sure.

0 101

Unfair taxes Monday, 01 July 2024 09:59 AM

Titanic never made ashore safely and sunk in the middle of Atlantic Ocean, had design faults and oversights, so is your candidacy!

1 143

Charith Monday, 01 July 2024 10:14 AM

Vote for a proven track record post economic crisis and give him a chance to see us out of this mess fully and on track for Sri Lanka's true potential to bloom with oportunities for all or take a chance on someone new which could lead to more or worse national suffering on the chance it might work out better. Other politicians are younger and have time to contribute for a better Sri Lanka, but considering Ranils age this is most likely our last chance to get what get can offer us and our future before he us no longer an option and hus wealth of knowledge and experience lost to us forever. My personal opinion is that he should be given the opportunity. Others are younger and if they truly love our country and our people should join or support him and get ready and well prepared for the future service to our nation. I may be wrong but to me this is the smartest choice

165 71

Sach Monday, 01 July 2024 11:03 AM

Ranil took over a good economy in 2014 and ruined it. This man is largely responsible for the current economic crisis. Debt mismanagement during his term 2015-19 is the reason for bankruptcy.

168 157

Lk Monday, 01 July 2024 10:23 AM

Let us see how people act and react to this call and vote in the election..faith and confidence is important jn any candidate?

0 22

Ceylonese Monday, 01 July 2024 10:37 AM

Mewa Rawatana baila, liyaganilla

0 117

Grace Monday, 01 July 2024 10:55 AM

Pillayan has already singing praise to you. It is a great achievement to get rid of your opponents.

0 49

Dan Monday, 01 July 2024 12:07 PM

Requested Harsha de Silva to approve a debt restructuring plan without submitting the plan to the relevant committee. That alone shows his honesty and ethics.

0 4

L Ranjth Monday, 01 July 2024 12:10 PM

Please read the statistics, over 1 millon graduated from the 17 statu universities, 8 million working population and most of the able working abroad and keeping the rest alive, 70% of all these educated voting for the NPP, game over for the rest and it will be a new beginning for SL and majority of position will be on meritocracy. If you want a better life for your next generation vote for NPP

1 3

Worried Citizen Monday, 01 July 2024 12:50 PM

What about the BOND SCAM Scandal that took place in Jan. 2015, soon after RW assumed Office as PM in Dec. 2014 where the country lost over Rs. 15 Billions? There was another Repeat of the Bond Scam in 2016 under RW's Watch but NO ONE has been brought before Justice and the Mega Thieves are STILL Free. BOND SCAM ALONE is ENOUGH to keep RW OUT of Power FOR EVER.

46 5

WORTH GIVING THE UNKNOWN A CHANCE, AS THE KNOWN HAVE RULED FOR PAST FES DECADES AND ALL THEY DID WAS FEATHER THEIR NEST, FAMILIES AND STOOGES. Monday, 01 July 2024 05:31 PM

EXACTLY, CORRUPTION WILL FLORISH WITH THE PRESENT GOVT, MAJOROTY ARE CORRUPT AND GREED HAS EATEN UP THEIR CHARACTERS (NOT ALL OF THEM HAVE CHARACTERS ONE CAN SHOUT ABOUT). ANURA AND HIS PARTY ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN WIPE OUT CORRUPTION, BRING ALL THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COUNTRY'S DOWNFALL AND BRING THEM BEFORE A COURT OF LAW, INCLUDING THE BOND SCAM CORRUPT CULPRITS TOO, CONFISCATE THEIR ILLGOTTEN MONIES/PROPERTIES AND TAKE THE COUNTRY FORWARD.

0 0

Volker Metzger Monday, 01 July 2024 02:18 PM

In this election, Ranil is only interested in holding on to power at any cost!!! He is obviously prepared to work together and make pacts with all those who in the past have distinguished themselves primarily through egocentrism and opportunism and not through standing up for the overriding national interests, for the economy, anti-corruption, tax justice and the welfare of the people!!! The essential radical change to the system and society will never be possible with Ranil and the old corrupt parties and politicians!!! On the contrary, with Ranil and his followers, the status quo will be further consolidated and the lives of most people will remain in a state of poverty, hopelessness and hopelessness for years!!! It is extremely thought-provoking, however, when politicians like Fonseka, contrary to their principles and convictions, side with a man they have rejected and fought against for years!!!

0 16

Big Sam Monday, 01 July 2024 02:49 PM

Anyone who has been involved in governing the country for the last 20 odd years (especially this joker) must be driven out!

0 1

ROSH Monday, 01 July 2024 04:47 PM

Unelected master debating president wanted us come together and master debate him in front of the parliament to move country forward. This is excellent news. We must build his statue in front of the parliament without his trousers to see how much internal work he has done for the future generation. The is the best master debater my country ever had since independence

0 0

Volker Metzger Monday, 01 July 2024 05:13 PM

In this election, Ranil is only interested in holding on to power at any price!!! He is obviously prepared to work together and make pacts with all those who in the past have distinguished themselves primarily through egocentrism and opportunism and not through standing up for the overriding national interests, for the economy, anti-corruption, tax justice and the welfare of the people!!! The essential radical change to the system and society will never be possible with Ranil and the old corrupt parties and politicians!!! On the contrary, with Ranil and his followers, the status quo will be further consolidated and the lives of most people will remain in a state of poverty, inequality and hopelessness for years!!! It is extremely thought-provoking, however, when politicians like Fonseka, contrary to their principles and convictions, side with a man they have rejected and fought against for years!!!

0 10

sach Monday, 01 July 2024 06:09 PM

It is Ranil who bankrupted the good economy he inherited in 2014 by debt mismanagement. And there is no economic recovery at the moment but suspension of loan payments.

0 0

Ranjith Monday, 01 July 2024 07:33 PM

Ranil you are supported by bunch of thiefs from SLPP and UNP we cannot make up our mind to vote for you same all jokers from UNP and SLPP is with you we want fresh blood in the government and head state we want new leaf new faces.

0 0

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