United National Party (UNP) Chairman Vajira Abeywardena has stated that the past three months have proven the current government’s inability to provide solutions to the pressing issues faced by the people.
Speaking at a series of meetings in the Galle, Akmeemana, and Habaraduwa electorates, held at the UNP District Office in Uluwitike, Galle, under the theme “Let’s Enforce People’s Sovereignty”, Abeywardena made the following remarks:
“We repeatedly warned the people not to make this mistake, but they did not listen. There is no point in blaming the government now—this is the choice the people made. The consequences of that decision are evident. Look at the state of the country today. The cost of living has skyrocketed beyond control.”
“The current government came to power by blaming a so-called ’77-year curse.’ But if you look back at those 77 years, the price of a coconut was only Rs. 100. Today, it has reached Rs. 249 and in some areas, even higher. Soon, it may even hit Rs. 300. So, was the ‘curse’ really worse than the situation we are facing now?”
He further commented on the economic struggles and governance failures of the current administration:
“Over the past two years, we saw Ranil Wickremesinghe working to stabilize the economy. The five main rice mill owners continued their operations, and despite the challenges, the country was being steered in the right direction. But today, despite having rice in stock, traders are hesitant to sell it in shops because of excessive government intervention and fines. If they do sell, it will have to be at nearly Rs. 275 per kilo. By the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, a kilo of raw rice could go up to Rs. 400. This is the reality of what has happened due to the decisions made by the public at the last election.”
“Instead of addressing these issues, the government keeps blaming us for being in power for 77 years. But where exactly are they taking the country now? Even now, the people should start thinking critically about the choices they have made.”
Abeywardena also defended former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s approach to governance, emphasizing his dedication to rebuilding Sri Lanka:
“People mock the fact that Ranil Wickremesinghe traveled extensively after taking office. But he didn’t just sit at home. He worked tirelessly, sometimes until midnight, seeking international support to stabilize the country. Because of those efforts, long queues disappeared, and the country, which was on the brink of collapse, was brought back to some level of stability.”
“Unlike this government, which makes empty promises on television, Ranil never boasted about his hard work. He focused on solutions, not media spectacles.”
He also addressed the government’s claims about tourism:
“The government claims that when they took over, Sri Lanka was ranked 10th in tourism. But in 2018, under our leadership, we were ranked first in the world. When this became unbearable for some, they orchestrated the Easter attacks to disrupt the tourism industry and prevent Ranil from continuing his leadership. The people, knowingly or unknowingly, played into that narrative. Today, we stand by the truth, whether the public recognizes it or not. Our commitment remains unchanged.”
Abeywardena concluded by urging the people to reflect on their choices and consider the direction in which the country is heading under the current administration.
