Dehiwala – Speaking at a gathering in Dehiwala, Namal Rajapaksa, the presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), promised a pragmatic approach to governance, reiterating that his policies would be realistic and achievable. He emphasized that his administration, if elected, would follow in the footsteps of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa by focusing on strengthening the state sector and avoiding impractical promises.
“We only propose policies that are practical and avoid making promises that cannot be realistically fulfilled,” Namal told the audience, stressing the importance of a strategic plan for expanding the state sector. He pointed out that while some political figures had recently praised public servants during the postal voting period by increasing salaries, they had previously neglected them.
Namal drew inspiration from his father’s governance, highlighting Mahinda Rajapaksa’s role in expanding the state sector through a comprehensive program that integrated graduates into government positions and developed infrastructure, including airports, hospitals, and provincial councils. He criticized the dismantling of these initiatives after 2015.
Outlining his vision, Namal pledged to resist any legislation that could harm the nation and firmly stated that he would not allow any political party to divide Sri Lanka. “We will implement a program focused on the country’s development, and we will not allow any party to divide this nation,” he affirmed.
Namal’s message resonated with his commitment to unity and state development as central themes of his campaign.