In a heartfelt message, outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude and optimism as he prepares to hand over leadership of the country to President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake following the 2024 Presidential Election. In his announcement, Wickremesinghe reflected on the difficult path Sri Lanka has navigated in recent years and voiced his confidence in Dissanayake’s ability to continue the work of guiding the country forward.
Wickremesinghe compared Sri Lanka to a beloved child, stating that he had safely brought the nation across a “vine bridge” during an unprecedented crisis, and now entrusts Dissanayake to carry it forward with the same care and dedication.
Below is an excerpt from his speech:
“Dear Citizens,
The majority of the people of this country have made their decision in the presidential election held on September 21, and we must respect that. It is now time to confirm the real existence of the Sri Lankan state according to that mandate.
Two years ago, I took over a country in a severe crisis, bankrupt and plunging deeper into an economic abyss. Many lacked the strength to face that challenge, but I stepped in. I am proud to say I fulfilled the responsibility entrusted to me by history. Within two years, I was able to save this country from bankruptcy.
We reduced inflation from seventy percent to 0.5%, and raised our foreign reserves from a meager 20 million USD to 5.7 billion USD. The value of the rupee, which was at 380 against the dollar, was stabilized at 300. We shifted negative economic growth from -7.3% to positive 2.3%. This is the most valuable contribution I have made in my political life.
I have done my best to lead the nation across the difficult vine bridge of challenges. Now, the people have entrusted the future of this beloved child, Sri Lanka, to President Anura Dissanayake.
Mr. President, I hand over to you the beloved child of Sri Lanka. I hope and pray you will carry this child across the bridge more safely than I did. Regardless of whether I hold power or position, I will always serve my country and its people.
I wish to thank every citizen who supported me, and even those who did not.”
President Ranil Wickremesinghe“
This message reflects Wickremesinghe’s gracious exit and his commitment to the country’s future under the new leadership of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with hope that the stability Sri Lanka has begun to achieve will continue to strengthen.
