Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa emphasizes that if everyone works together without being politically divided, our country can move forward from where it is today.
He points out that if we rise together we can achieve many victories, he points out that we cannot continue this journey divided and estranged and if we solve these problems together, we will create a future. Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse states that he will support every effort made by the government for that, but first we have to take a step forward from where this country is and everything else can be solved secondly.
Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa stated this while participating in a public meeting held yesterday (16) morning in Nawalapitiya town. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s Kandy District Nawalapitiya Constituency Conference was held here and it was organized by the Member of Parliament Mr. Mahindananda Aluthgamage.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who further commented there,
We know that even today the people of Nawalapitiya are fulfilling their duty to win the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. When I saw the same face that I saw then, that happiness increased even more. This is our strength. Your strength is our strength as a country. We are facing many challenges as a country. On the one hand, when the COVID epidemic is over, on the other hand, we are facing a collapsed economy. Not only us, many countries around the world are struggling with their economies today.
Devoting for that, moving forward with new concepts. It was not yesterday that we faced such problems. Since then, this country faced various invasions and famines. At all times, we stood together and overcame those challenges. Some people don’t know this. Even if he knows, he won’t tell. They just want to avoid this problem by leaving someone out. So they catch us easily. They leave these behind us and wipe their hands.
These problems will not end by saying that the problems are on us. They go beyond political rivalries and slander. The hands of those who slander like that are the first to be slandered. Therefore, we should be able to make a decision about the future after looking at the past. There is no point in slandering each other.
Like us, you also had to face various insults in the past. Some behaved as if they had never done anything wrong. Now they fly. It is now that I understand the story that the white of the cock is visible when it flies. Some do not want this country to be a peaceful country. Others do not want this country to stand up independently. They don’t always want it. They just keep saying they can’t. We must change this.
We also have mistakes. We accept it. But nobody who jumped up saying that we made a mistake are not those who have not made mistakes in history. When there is a mistake, we have a chance to correct it. Shame on us if we stop at the same place where we went wrong. Some know the truth. They act as if they don’t know the truth. The shame of not being able to take back the accusations made is standing up for the lie. Now doing such political work will not benefit this country.
We need to make a plan and move forward. If everyone joins together and moves the country forward with one policy, many of these problems will end. Some people don’t like it. When asked to come to a common agreement, it is rejected. Every human being understands that the future of this country cannot be built by passing government policies on one government after another. But unfortunately some politicians and their leaders do not understand this.
Today, if you turn on the television, listen to the radio, read the newspaper, scroll up and down on social media on your phone, you will see only the part that says we can’t, which shows more of a certain section. No one is putting too much weight on raising these people that we can. I request our media friends that you also have a responsibility in this matter. Fulfill your responsibility for the country while making every disclosure. There are some who only blame. They are not responsible.
They try to stay that way all the time. They often start fires. Some people participate in them without understanding. They don’t want to make the country but burn it. If you remember, when they asked to take over the country in the most difficult time, no one accepted that challenge, they said that many deficiencies should be corrected. If you can correct all the shortcomings, will you be looking for more people? These people think that everything should be prepared, put on a tray and given to them.
No need to study economics. Even if you ask a school-going child, you will know when the most foreign loans were taken at the highest interest rates. Some people tried to give us the work that was done during the good governance. But when the people asked us to take over the country with unsustainable debts, we did not bargain that it could not be done. We listened to the people’s demand. But we made a mistake. We did not publicize that they gave us this kind of country. When Covid came, we thought about people’s lives more than the money spent on vaccines. How many people died even in developed countries? But we did not allow such a situation to arise in Sri Lanka. We saved you and your children’s lives. Some have forgotten these today.
Today, looking back after overcoming the challenges of Covid, the economic crisis has reached its neck. We have to face that crisis even reluctantly. People should know this. Some questions are questions that came to us from outside. Some hijacked the pain that comes when people find it difficult to live. Dollars were earned by selling the pain. Today, the cat has come out of the bag in many of those stories and the people have come to know the truth. Therefore, people have to be told to beware of those instigators. Because they can come and take the pot of rice home with them. As a party, we as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna have achieved many victories in history. We should not forget that behind all those victories were dear people like you.
In this journey, we fell unexpectedly in some places. But we have to get up from where we fell and go to our goal. Some laugh when they fall. Dissolves inflammation. But don’t forget that when we get up from where we fell and win, the same people will whistle and welcome us back then. If so, are we hopeless? No, we don’t want to be down. If we stand together, we can achieve many victories. We cannot continue this journey divided and alienated. If we solve these problems together, we will create a future. We support every effort made by the government for that. First, let’s take a step forward from where this country is. Let’s work together for that. We can solve everything else in seconds.
We should be especially careful about children’s nutrition. They are the future of our country. It is necessary to pay special attention to it. Also, we have already discussed the request to take every possible step to reduce the burden of life imposed on the people. We have also intervened as a party for that. Therefore, we were able to keep certain decisions beneficial to the people despite the difficulties.
People know this. That’s why we have met all of you today in Nawalapitiya…we are asking the whole country to hear the proposal that we will stand up together. Be it agriculture, tourism, tea or rubber industries, be it other industries, whatever profession you are engaged in, whether you are Sri Lankans abroad or politicians, all these people have the opportunity today to build this country together. We will rally for that.
We are sure that these people of Nawalapitiya are participants in that historic decision. Presenting the request to give your strength to the country, I pay my respects to our dear Mr. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, the Kandy district leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, who organized this event, and to all the people of our party who supported this.
Kandy District Member of Parliament Mr. Mahindananda Aluthgamage,
After the 9th of May, after five months of hiatus, our political machinery was empowered. We have people with us. We have to deal with them. When some said they could not go out, they held demonstrations in Kandy city and showed the strength of our government. If we had shown that strength everywhere then, this would not have happened to our government.
We informed our political allies at all times. The first meeting was given to Mr. Rohitha Abeygunawardena. This is a seat conference. Today, our conference is held in this hall. But this place is filled to overflowing. Mahindanandu’s convention has been advertised on social media as a protest against the people. But we successfully hold our meeting. We have held 70 meetings so far. No one has left us. People are the same.
When Mr. Mahinda was told that he would be brought, he gave support to make this meeting a success. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has organized a demonstration near Nawalapitiya Pola. There were only 148 people. But we are not afraid of these. We are ready for elections anytime. I will not do politics again to win even one division from Nawalapitiya. I know the strength Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse gave me to build this constituency. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa came every time I mentioned.
Three cities have been built in this constituency and all the roads have been carpeted. People were given water to drink. 15000 land deeds were given. 2500 houses have been built. More than 5000 government jobs have been given. I went all over the seat. We did not allow trouble anywhere in the district. Inflation in England has risen to 10 percent today. There is an oil queue in France. I would like to ask whether the Rajapaksas ruled in England and France.
He took a decision for the country without looking at the personal issues of Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe. He is making great efforts to build this country. Today, commodity prices have dropped to some level. It is believed that economic management will be possible by the end of this year. We support the President to move forward for the next two years. We need to think in a new way now. We give place to new youth. We need to go on a new journey. We have people. We have to stop the old mistakes and go to elections with a new face.
Minister of Health Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella,
Happy to come to Nawalapitiya in a politically controversial era. There was a presidential election three years ago. A new political party was born with the political, social and economic background that arose before it. After 2015, according to a decision we made, we had to start a new political program. 52 of us sat in the opposition that day. They also teased us. Then we looked for the best option. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa thought. The common people of this country also gathered around him. His manifesto is very important. We had deficiencies in that program. We can recover by accepting our shortcomings. One of the programs that support this country is the organic fertilizer program. There was a program to create a land without poisons.
I remember the meeting in Anuradhapura that day. but. We know the program that was done in good faith. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said that we will save the deal on the highway without the constitution. They took advantage of this opportunity. They are trying to recover from the tears of the people. There are 16 million voters in our country. The activists took over the offices of the President’s Secretariat, Temple Tree House, and the President’s Office. But we made a decision at that time.
That is why, according to our decision, Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe was decided as the President, not according to anyone’s will or dislike. Such a decision was taken because we want to move the country forward without giving a chance to murderous bastards. But Gotabaya Rajapaksa must be served some justice. Measures were taken to give people the required vaccine during the Covid time. Measures were taken to control Covid by setting a record in the world. Democratically we are ready to save any deal.
Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana,
We know the food crisis our country is facing. Today, the population has exceeded two million. In 1952 we reached a rubber and rice agreement with China. A similar food crisis occurred during the reign of Mrs. Sirimavo. The people of the country faced a lot of problems. By the end of 1990, Sri Lanka had set three world records. Won the Cricket World Cup. The largest aging population was being created. And it had become the country with the highest number of people who committed suicide.
The economy of the people living from agriculture in distant villages was strengthened because of President Mahinda Rajapakse. He took steps to provide free fertilizer. We took the decision to ban chemical fertilizers with a good intention. A large number of our people died of kidney disease. He understood this situation and took that decision. Such a decision was taken knowing that there will be problems from the side of industry and agriculture in this country.
But there were problems with that. Everything that could be grown in this country was imported from abroad. But instead we worked to raise the production. Measures were taken to stop the importation of vehicles. Steps were taken to increase industrial production. While implementing such programs, the Corona epidemic came. Due to this, the tourism industry was severely affected. Any government that comes to power does not want to see its people facing problems.
We have to look at the era of social transformation after 1948. Politicians are responsible for the social transformation that has taken place in this country for 73 years. Only 52 percent of the children born when we gained independence in 1948 were orphans. Today it has increased to 98 percent. Sri Lanka is the only country that offers free education and a government job after coming to university. I would like to say that it was the politicians who intervened to make various changes in this country. Although he had a good vision for the future of this country, he could not go there due to social and economic conflicts. We can get out of this crisis. Our country has the necessary resources for that.
Minister of State for Power and Energy Mr. Indika Anuruddha,
Earlier we conducted a similar meeting in Kalutara district. After that we got various attacks. People who use social media today do not know their parents. Public property is not recognized in this country. There is no feeling to love the country. There is no love for the country and the nation if they can destroy public property. But the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is a party that loves the country and the nation. Some say that there is no place for Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna now. Some of the camp we represent tell different stories.
We remember the Galle mouth incident. We rise from there. The country has confidence in Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. Different people who know this situation are engaged in different activities. They worked to create a leader without politics. Some people brought different opinions. We decided after talking to the people. We need to think about those who use professionals and the elderly. A political discourse is being carried out together with the party. The President is shown another route. But it was in short supply.
We have given power to Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe immediately. There are still accusations against the president. He has to answer in that regard. We need a right leader. Because of this, Mr. Ranil Wickramasingha was chosen as the President. Now some people ask if there are no such charges. Anura Kumara Dissanayake was always filing charges, not proving charges. There are files. But there is nothing in it. Actions are taken against the working personnel by making accusations. Anyone can make accusations. But the allegations must be proven. We have to give this country the development it needs. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa made a huge development from 2005 to 2015.
Minister of State for Provincial Councils and Local Government Mr. Janaka Vakkambura,
Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa worked to bring peace to this country. But our people forgot it after a while. 55 lakhs voted against us. Today the people of Nawalapitiya have shown our strength. Mr. Mahindananda Aluthgamage has fulfilled his responsibility. We have a local government election ahead of us. Some say they are going to postpone the elections. We took steps to hold it every three months. In 2018, after Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa went to an election, the opposition went before the court.
Local government representatives are here. There is a perverted election system here. Elections are conducted according to the needs of small parties. Those who said not to bring salaries to 4,300 are now saying to keep those people as well. It takes 32,000 rupees to pay the salaries of those people. We are not afraid of votes. They ask why taxes were reduced then. After raising taxes today, they ask why they are doing that.
Former Minister, Hambantota District Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa,
As a political party, our party came forward among the people in a very short time. Due to our people, our party was able to achieve various victories. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa initiated the program to strengthen the village. Created the rural economy of our country. Made roads. Steps were taken to provide 100 percent electricity. The foundation stone of the first expressway was laid in 1986. But Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa took steps to make it a reality. Also, Mahindodaya Technology Labs were introduced to introduce technology to the children. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna was created around this. Even though this kind of program was done then, some political parties saw it with a twisted mind. Some political parties only looked at the city. But we tried to develop the village and develop the city. We have to innovate.
But some policies did not suit our country. The world collapsed with the covid 19 pandemic. We took steps to modernize the local economy. An amount of 40 lakh rupees was allotted to each division. A village center was built to sell village produce. Through this, they tried to strengthen the local businessman and farmer. But there are people who do not understand this situation. The youth wanted to change the system. Some of the young people who struggled are still thinking at the mouth of Galle. We are accused of various things. But the courts freed us. Punish us if we have done wrong. Take legal action without telling everyone who comes. The people who called us thieves gave money to a sister in Colombo. Looking at that list, there is everyone except us. If someone is trying to get political protection, don’t help them. Give principled people the opportunity to join politics.
Various accusations were made regarding taxes within the parliament. The same people who said they reduced taxes then are now blaming them for increasing taxes. We need to protect businessmen. Taxes make it difficult for businessmen to do business. Taxes cannot be evaded. Businessmen need to be protected in paying taxes. In the past, we suffered some setbacks. Some tried to turn the democratic change of government into a terrorist system. As a party, we are not afraid of elections. There is hope for the youth of this country. We expect to move forward as a political party that recognizes them. We are hit the most for building the village. It is said that Mahinda Rajapaksa is a political culture. Therefore, some people say that if you want to hit the village, you have to hit Mahinda Rajapaksa. But we have to take steps to build a stable country.
Secretary General of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Member of Parliament Sagara Kariyawasam,
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna organized such meetings in the past. A large number of people participate in this event today with confidence in their future. Here is a message to the country itself. In the past, we faced various problems. When some message was posted on the face book, various campaigns went against it. Some hired workers are used for this. We looked into it. Such things are done through fake accounts. Our party is being slandered from other countries of the world. We should not worry about things that go against our party. Today the people of Nawalapitiya are gathering here and saying that the people are with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. Therefore, we are with the people as a party.
Ampara District Member of Parliament W. Mr. D Weerasinghe,
Some ask why the country is being handed over to the Rajapaksas again. A lot of mudslinging is being done on social media. When we stand strong with the people, they cannot stand it. As a child of a leader who destroyed this country, Mr. Sajith Premadasa spent a lot of money on his campaign activities instead of building houses in the past.
He himself has told the country that a leader like Sajith Premadasa is not suitable for this country. Of the 225 members of the Parliament, there are also three members of the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna. When the Anura Kumara Dissanayakes could not get power, they killed people and set the country on fire. On that day, JVP killed a large number of people in this country. Most of the national resources were destroyed. At that time, the bus going to the village was set on fire. The post office was set on fire. There were problems in the past. But how was this situation created?
A tribute was also paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and seniors who have been active in politics for nearly five decades.
Ministers of State Indika Anuruddha, Prasanna Ranaweera, Tenuka Widanagamage, Siripala Gamlath, Kanaka Herath, Piyal Nishantha, Dilum Amunugama, Janaka Wakkumbura, Sanath Nishantha, Rohana Dissanayake, Members of Parliament Johnston Fernando, Rajika Wickramasinghe, Sanjeeva Ethermanna, Kokila Gunawardena, Madhurat Vimanage. , Jayantha Katagoda, Lalit Manju, Sudath Manjula, Chinthaka Mayadunna, Sudarshana Denipitiya, Ajith Rajapaksa, Milan Jayathilaka, Akila Ellawala and Professor Ranjith Bandara were present on this occasion.