Former State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne has urged Sri Lankans to allow President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to govern the country independently for at least another year and a half. Speaking at a public meeting in Udunuwara, Jayaratne argued that this extended period would enable the people to fully evaluate Dissanayake’s administration. He noted that despite the defeat in the September 14 presidential election, he believes the public will eventually recognize the correctness of their choice.
Jayaratne highlighted that the National People’s Power (NPP) government led by Dissanayake has already taken loans totaling 61 billion rupees within just 23 days of taking office. He criticized the government’s rapid borrowing, pointing out that it is the largest amount of debt taken in such a short period in Sri Lanka’s history. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the current administration deserves time to prove its capability.
The former minister called for the formation of a strong opposition in the upcoming parliamentary election on November 14, urging voters to support candidates contesting under the gas cylinder symbol of the New Democratic Front Party. He expressed confidence that by strengthening the opposition, a more balanced political landscape could be achieved, which would allow for effective governance and accountability.
Jayaratne dismissed the idea of Sajith Premadasa’s United National Party taking over power, predicting that Premadasa would lose his position as the Leader of the Opposition in the next Parliament. He further noted that former President Ranil Wickramasinghe would not contest in the upcoming election but would continue to support the gas cylinder group if needed.
Reflecting on the hardships faced by all Sri Lankans during previous economic crises, Jayaratne reminded the audience of the need to support experienced leaders who could guide the country out of its current challenges. He argued that sending capable representatives from the gas cylinder group to Parliament would help ensure that the government has the necessary strength to address the nation’s pressing issues.
In closing, Jayaratne called on voters in the Kandy district to make it a stronghold for the opposition in the November election. He emphasized the importance of engaging with both supporters and non-supporters to increase the number of opposition MPs and bring about meaningful change in the country’s governance.
