Presidential Election next year, groundwork now underway: Ruwan

By W. D. M. Vithanage  

Deputy Leader of the United National Party Ruwan Wijewardene said the presidential election would be held next year and that several political parties would support UNP candidate President Ranil Wickremesinghe for which the background was now being set.  

Addressing a meeting of the Biyagama UNP electoral organization on Saturday (10) in Malwana, he said President Ranil Wickremesinghe would never forget the people of Biyagama area and requested their support for his victory at the presidential election.  

“During the “Aragalaya” uprising, then Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from his post and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa invited Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa to accept that post. However, he refused it. Later the President invited Sarath Fonseka and JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka but to no avail. Ultimately he invited the UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who accepted the post in the interest of the country. It is a misconception that he accepted the post to safeguard Rajapaksas. He was motivated by saving the country from the economic crisis. He succeeded President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who resigned. The people were facing hardship due to scarcities of fuel and other essential consumer goods. The cost of living had skyrocketed. However, President Wickremesinghe initiated talks with the donor countries and the IMF. He has been able to end queues for fuel and gas and essential consumer goods within about two months of taking over the reins of the government. It was a result of his visionary leadership and his effective plans to stabilize the economy. However, several issues are yet to be addressed. The President’s plan is to eliminate poverty and make Sri Lanka an affluent country by 2048. It is imperative that all those concerned including the opposition political parties should join hands with the President to realize his plans,” he said.  

The UNP Deputy Leader said that the government was planning to establish a national hospital and a children’s hospital complete with all modern facilities in Biyagama area according to a concept of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.  

Three candidates contesting the election to Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha, Jayalath Sanjeewa (SJB) Daminda Thushara, (Janatha Nidahas Sandanaya) and Jesika Nilmini (SLFP) joined the UNP.  
Several local politicians were present at the occasion.    

**** The President’s plan is to eliminate poverty and make Sri Lanka an affluent country by 2048