1 week Ago
Ranil Wickreme-singhe on Sunday at Welimada stepped up his broadside on main opponents exposing their duplicity and incompetence as the race for 21 September Presidential election got nearer. Speaking at a crowded public rally at Welimada which saw entry of former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Thalatha Athukorala in support of Wickremesinghe, the President raised questions about the economic stance of the National People’s Power (NPP), highlighting inconsistencies in statements made by its leaders as well as questioned why Sajith Premadasa is causing confusion with multiple manifestos. He remarked that while Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaks of an export-oriented economy, Sunil Handunnetti discusses an import-based approach, leaving the true economic policy unclear.
The President urged that Dissanayake should clarify this on his platform. Referring to Dissanayake’s claim that the Anti-Corruption Act would be fully implemented to eliminate corruption, Wickremesinghe emphasised that passing this law alone is insufficient. He pointed out that additional steps to fight corruption have been proposed under the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” program.
The President questioned why Dissanayake limits himself to this single bill and does not support broader anti-corruption measures if he is serious about addressing the issue. He further stressed that political debates should involve responses across platforms, and expressed hope that Anura Kumara Dissanayake would recover soon and address these concerns. Additionally, the President addressed the dual manifestos of Sajith Premadasa, questioning the coherence of his policy direction and suggesting that the public has been left uncertain about his true intentions.
Wickremesinghe emphasised the need to continue the programs aimed at rebuilding the country. “We must carry forward the initiative we began to develop in Sri Lanka. A new phase of this program can start from 22 September and I am seeking your mandate to implement it.
We have already taken steps to ease the burden on people’s lives and provide them with income opportunities. In addition, we have introduced Aswesuma and Urumaya programs, and next year, we will launch an initiative to create jobs for young people. Real relief for the people can only come through our ‘Puluwan Sri Lanka,’ and youth employment can only be ensured by promoting the country.
Other candidates have not addressed these issues. We have also implemented a broad program to boost tourism and are paying particular attention to improving education in this region,” he added. Wickremesinghe also said efforts are underway to raise the standards of Welimada Madhya Maha Vidyalaya and Uva Paranagama Cappetipola Vidyalaya to the level of top schools in Badulla and Bandarawela.
“Sajith Premadasa currently has two policy statements — one called ‘Sathutu Deyak’ and another called ‘Blueprint 3.’ People are left wondering which one to follow. I aim to build an export-oriented economy.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake also expressed his intention to create an export economy, and I welcomed that. However, his manifesto proposes the abolition of free trade agreements, which are essential for exports,” he pointed out. Moreover, the President said NPP member Sunil Handunnetti filed a case against the Economic Transformation Bill, arguing that establishing export industries contradicts the Constitution and that local industries should be protected.
“This shows a lack of coherent policy. Last Friday in Morawaka, Dissanayake asked me to respond to his concerns, and I expected him to do the same at his rally the following day. Instead, he spoke about the bond issue.
Later, I learned he was unwell, so I sincerely wish him a speedy recovery to address these matters. He hasn’t answered my question, but I have already responded to his comments during my speech in Jaffna. The people of this country deserve clarity — are we moving towards an export economy or an import economy? While Dissanayake talks about exports, Handunnetti promotes imports,” he said.
Regarding the bond issue, Wickremesinghe said Anura Kumara is still making accusations. “I had previously called for an investigation into the bond scandal, and we set up a commission. I stated that I had no involvement but suggested that those potentially guilty should be prosecuted.
A case was filed, but the accused were acquitted as the charges were not proven in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. Anura Kumara Dissanayake claims that those involved in the bond scandal will be brought to justice. However, the Court has ruled that they are not guilty.
I’ve stated that if Dissanayake wishes to take the case to the Supreme Court, he is welcome to do so and can send his lawyers. It’s important to understand the facts before making statements — whether individuals were found guilty or acquitted,” he elaborated. The President said Anura Kumara talks about eliminating corruption and implementing the Anti-Corruption Act.
“While that is commendable, I must point out that the Anti-Corruption Act alone is insufficient. We were the ones who introduced it, and we have outlined additional steps through the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” program. My question is, does he agree with this broader approach? We have introduced the Proceeds of Crime BIll.
I ask whether Anura Kumara Dissanayake will support this Bill or not. Next, we will implement the National Anti-Corruption Plan — does he support that as well?” Wickremesinghe said another important question is whether Anura Kumara agrees to amend the National Audit Act No. 19 of 2018 to expand the Auditor General’s powers.
“We are also committed to strengthening institutions like the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission. Will he back these efforts? Additionally, information about assets and liabilities can now be accessed online. Does Anura Kumara support this level of transparency? And does he agree to tougher laws on financial crimes and money laundering, including amendments to company regulations? The real issue here is why his anti-corruption agenda seems limited to a single law.
Why hasn’t he supported the other bills we’ve passed? Tackling corruption requires a comprehensive set of laws, not just one,” he said. Posing two key questions to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President said first, he has to outline what is your stance on an export-oriented economy? Second, whether he will support the broader anti-corruption program or limit them to just one law? “I will continue asking these questions until we receive answers. Political debates are about addressing issues raised across platforms, and I hope Anura Kumara recovers soon and provides the necessary responses,” Wickremesinghe added.
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