President values cap gifted to him at over Rs.100,000

• I couldn’t stand by and watch when there was no food, medicine, fertilizer, fuel, or gas for the people, and when they had no money to live. At that moment, I decided to take responsibility and take the best course of action

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at an election rally in Dambadeniya, said that a woman from Killinochchi presented him with a cap as a token of gratitude for his assistance with food, medicine, fuel, and essential support, expressing that its value to him exceeded Rs.100,000.   

“I couldn’t stand by and watch when there was no food, medicine, fertilizer, fuel, or gas for the people, and when they had no money to live. At that moment, I decided to take responsibility and take the best course of action. The country was on the verge of collapse without essential supplies and proper income for the people. As the President and former Prime Minister, it was my duty to take that step.” the President said.   

“Unfortunately, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa and National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who were ahead of me, backed away. No one was left. At that time, there wasn’t even a party ready to form a government. But those on stage from the United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) stood by me to rebuild the country, no matter the cost.   

“No one in the country had food, medicine, fertilizer, or fuel to survive. How can it be wrong to help the people with the support of members from all parties, those willing to take responsibility? Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara initially called for an election. But it’s not fair to hold an election while people are suffering. Before an election, people need food and other basic necessities to live,” the president said.   

“Then, several trade unions launched strikes, and they accused me of protecting the Rajapaksas. If I were protecting the Rajapaksas, they would be joining me at my rallies. In fact, Namal Rajapaksa has said on other stages that I am trying to break up their party. I didn’t protect the Rajapaksas; we protected the people.   

“This cap was given to be by that woman as a respect for our efforts to support them to live. She also told me that giving this cap was not enough but will vote for me,” he said.