Former Minister Nuwara Eliya District parliamentarian, Mr. Palani Digambaram, asserted the necessity of prioritizing a presidential election in the future, emphasizing the likelihood of multiple candidates entering the fray. Notably, Mr. Digambaram highlighted the competition between Mr. Sajith Premadasa and Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, underscoring that Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe is not a contender in this electoral race. These remarks were made during a press conference held in Hatton today.
During the press conference, Mr. Digambaram emphasized the readiness of his party for the impending presidential election, contrasting it with the apparent lack of campaign initiation by other political factions. He stressed that both Mr Premadasa and Mr Dissanayake have commenced their campaigns, while Mr. Wickramasinghe has yet to do so.
Mr. Digambaram underscored the importance of conducting the presidential election, asserting that the government’s failure to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament precludes any attempts to cancel the election. He noted the public’s eagerness for an electoral process and their readiness to hold accountable those implicated in governmental misdeeds.
With approximately 40% of voters still undecided, Mr. Digambaram highlighted the pivotal nature of the impending electoral contest, primarily between Premadasa, Wickramasinghe, and Dissanayake. He acknowledged the challenging environment for the government to secure victory given the prevailing circumstances.
Furthermore, Mr. Digambaram expressed indifference regarding the potential victor, stressing the willingness of minor parties to collaborate regardless of the election outcome. He commended Dissanayake’s adaptability to global shifts and cautioned against exploiting religious differences for electoral gain.
Addressing economic concerns, Mr. Digambaram criticized past practices of indebting the nation without generating sustainable income. He advocated for constructive discussions on economic policies, especially regarding debt management and revenue generation.
Regarding the plantation workers’ plight, Mr. Digambaram lamented the government’s historical neglect and pledged support for initiatives benefiting this marginalized group. He also hinted at an influx of new parliamentary faces in the upcoming elections.
In summary, Mr. Palani Digambaram’s remarks underscored the urgency of prioritizing the presidential election, while also addressing critical issues ranging from economic policies to social welfare concerns.
