A group of activists from the 'aragalaya' movement (a public movement that sought the resignation of the previous Government led by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and system changes), previously known as the 'Black Cap Movement', expressed their support for President and independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe, citing his clear policy framework as a standout among the presidential candidates.
Speaking at a press conference held yesterday (5), Co-Convenor of the Movement, Hemapriya Kaviratne, claimed that the President is the only candidate with a well-defined strategy for the country’s future. He criticised the other major Presidential candidates for purportedly relying on economic concepts that have previously failed under past regimes.
"Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa vows to make a welfare State which has been experimented on for decades since we got Independence. Even the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna led National People's Power Leader and Opposition Parliamentarian Anura Kumara Dissanayake has also failed to present a clear economic policy even though he started his Presidential campaign more than a year ago," he opined.
He emphasised that President Wickremesinghe deserves another term in office as he has delivered on his promises. "President Wickremesinghe has addressed most of the demands raised during the 'aragalaya', including the ousting of the Rajapaksa family from politics. He has subtly but effectively removed them from the political sphere," Kaviratne noted.
Highlighting the achievements of President Wickremesinghe, he pointed out that the President's policies have stabilised the country and fulfilled the Movement's core demands, arguing therefore that the opportunity should be given to Wickremesinghe to continue his work for the betterment of Sri Lanka.
Addressing concerns about the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MPs aligning with the President, Kaviratne remarked, "They are current MPs elected by the people. We didn’t vote for them, but, they were elected by the people. At this moment, we cannot ask them not to do politics. It is up to the people to decide whether they should be in the Parliament next time."