Kandy, Sri Lanka – Former State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne warned that if the current administration under President Anura Dissanayake continues to govern as it has for the past 42 days, it may pave the way for former President Ranil Wickramasinghe to regain control within a year. Speaking at a public rally in Kandy, organized to support the New Democratic Front Party and its candidates contesting the upcoming parliamentary election, Jayaratne expressed deep concerns about the current government’s lack of engagement in crucial international affairs.
Jayaratne highlighted the government’s absence from significant summits such as the Commonwealth Leaders’ Meeting and the BRICS Summit. He criticized Dissanayake for not recognizing his role as the president of 22 million Sri Lankans, arguing that his current approach resembles that of an opposition member rather than a national leader.
“It’s been 40 days since Dissanayake took office, and we haven’t seen him reach out to global leaders or address the economic crisis effectively,” Jayaratne stated. “The BRICS countries alone represent a market of 3.2 billion people, yet only a group of officials attended these essential discussions. This is not the way to resolve our country’s issues.”
During his speech, Jayaratne reiterated his previous prediction made during the last presidential election: “If the government continues with this lack of vision, I assure you, in six months to a year, the Gas Cylinder group, led by Ranil Wickramasinghe, will be called back to govern.” He pointed out that the current economic crisis does not discriminate between political affiliations, urging unity among citizens who have suffered through food shortages and inflation.
Jayaratne emphasized the need for a coherent strategy to engage with international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Paris Club, which are crucial for stabilizing the economy. He criticized the government’s perceived indifference to these international relationships and expressed concern that without proactive measures, Sri Lanka could spiral deeper into crisis.
The rally, attended by a diverse crowd, showcased 15 candidates from the Gas Cylinder symbol of the New Democratic Front, including notable figures such as former ministers Talatha Athukorala and Mahindananda Aluthgamage. Jayaratne took the opportunity to contrast his party’s candidates, who he claimed represent a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds, with those of rival parties that he suggested were less connected to the Kandy district.
“Look at the candidates we are putting forward; they understand the issues of Kandy and its people,” he stated. “Our team will make the right decisions for the future of this country, but we need your support to do so.”
Jayaratne concluded by calling for a collective effort to restore effective governance in Sri Lanka, urging voters to back the New Democratic Front in the forthcoming elections to prevent further economic decline. “We are not in this for ourselves; we are here for the people of Sri Lanka,” he said, reinforcing his belief in the need for leadership under Wickramasinghe in the face of the ongoing crisis.
The statements made by Jayaratne highlight the ongoing political tensions in Sri Lanka, with growing dissatisfaction among citizens regarding the effectiveness of the current government. As the nation heads toward parliamentary elections, the call for Wickramasinghe’s return could resonate with voters seeking stability and proven leadership during turbulent times. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining the direction of Sri Lanka’s governance and its approach to addressing pressing economic challenges.
