Presidential candidates speak of their plans

By Kasun Warakapitiya

Supporters carrying party and national flags cheered their candidates running for the Presidential election outside the Election Commission office in Rajagiriya shortly after the nomination process was completed today after noon.

Party supporters were segregated to zones to minimize confrontation between rival party members while a tight security cover backed by the STF was placed around the Commission building.

As candidates walked out one by one, they stopped to respond to questions by the media.

Namal Rajapaksa, contesting under the ‘Pohottuwa’ symbol of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – the youngest in the list of candidates  said that on behalf of future generations they would create new jobs for the youth.

He vowed to bring investors while protecting the country. He added that they would also improve local industries and protect entrepreneurs.

Mr Rajapaksa added that people would give a response to the ones who broke away from their party in support of another candidate. He added that even the top level people change sides and the ground level support still remains strong.

“Nothing would be gained by criticizing others, what the people in this country are not expecting us to divide and attack each other, people are clearly interested in learning of our policies. I too as a candidate would present policies that are good for the country”, he said.

Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is contesting under the National People’s power said that he is confident of victory.

 He added that they have planned to launch their election campaign on April 17, 2024 from the south with a series of  meeting in Tangalle, Galle and Matara areas.

“People have experienced the disaster of choosing someone as the president after only looking at their outside appearance. People have experienced and learned lessons from politics and the past. We don’t need to look far, Look at this week’s political developments, there are many crossovers, if any one needs to change this wrong politics, the NPP would change this political culture”, he added.

Independent Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe who is contesting under the gas cylinder symbol said he rebuilt the economy enabling the crowds enjoy normalcy.

He added that the work has only been started and there is more worked to be continued and taken forward.

“The economic stability we created has to be taken forward and completed and make an economical change that would improve people’s living conditions. Therefore I ask everyone’s support to end the collapse of the economy”, he said.

The SJB candidate Sajith Premadasa who is contesting under the telephone symbol said that he strictly believes that the group which is supporting him would remain by his side and would not cross sides for bar permits, hotel licenses, money as well as portfolios.

He said that their party has a policy that they would accept anyone or keep anyone in the party in order to gain positions, keeping benefits in mind.

“Winning election is not the challenge, I have a huge belief that election victory, however the real challengers are the death traps which can be identified, economic collapse, unemployment and inflation, therefore improving the situation and become a strength to state and non-state employees and people of the country is the challenge”, he said

A tight security cover was placed  in Sarana Road and election secretariat.

The STF were even strategically placed at roof tops, while two sniffer dogs were used to check the main road area.

Pix by Eshan Fernando and Akila Jayawardana, and Priyanka Samaraweera