Nugegoda, August 28, 2024 — President Ranil Wickramasinghe has expressed strong criticism towards political leaders who failed to act in the best interests of the people during the country’s economic crisis. Speaking at a general meeting in Nugegoda, held in the run-up to the presidential election, Wickramasinghe emphasized the loss of public trust in those who did not step up when the nation was in turmoil.
Wickramasinghe pointed out that while some leaders sought support to help the country recover, others chose not to take responsibility. “Now we are being criticized for coming together. Who is criticizing this as a lie? What are these people doing? Have the country’s problems been solved? When they were given the responsibility, they ran away. When I was given the responsibility, I became the president,” he remarked.
He further distinguished between those who joined his efforts to stabilize the nation and those who chose to remain on the sidelines. “Those who joined me are on this stage. Those who are outside the stage are those who say that it doesn’t matter if they die; they want to take our political advantage,” he added.
In a pointed critique, Wickramasinghe questioned the leadership qualities of his political opponents, implying that they are more concerned with their own safety than with the welfare of the nation. “The man who had no solution back then, the leader who didn’t think about the people, how can he today want to make me president? The next time there is trouble, they will run straight away and get on the plane to Katunayake. He thinks about himself.”
Wickramasinghe urged voters to consider the practical implications of their choices, likening the upcoming election to a decision that affects everyday life. “This vote is not for me; it’s for your kitchen. Push the wedge into the gas cylinder. Don’t blame me if you lose the gas cylinder without hitting it,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of leadership that remains steadfast in times of crisis.
