September 7, 2024 — Sajith Premadasa, the opposition leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and presidential candidate, has pledged to secure an extraordinary amount of aid for Sri Lanka, claiming it will far surpass anything that current President Ranil Wickremesinghe or rival Anura Dissanayake could ever achieve.
Addressing a rally in support of his presidential campaign, Premadasa emphasized his commitment to bringing substantial aid to the country, distinguishing it from loans. He argued that the aid would be instrumental in rebuilding Sri Lanka, which he believes is crucial given the country’s current economic difficulties.
Premadasa criticized Wickremesinghe and Dissanayake, accusing them of underestimating his proposals and undermining his team’s ability to effect real change. He referred to their skepticism as a continuation of the same failed approach that led to Sri Lanka’s economic downfall.
Reflecting on past criticisms, Premadasa pointed out that while his opponents mocked their proposals in 2019, it was their own policies that contributed to the country’s economic collapse. He stressed the need for significant development to recover from this crisis and criticized the opposition for not having achieved anything substantial from their position.
Premadasa proudly asserted that despite being in the opposition, his team has already contributed significantly to education and health sectors, claiming a contribution of 1000 million for these areas. He promised that his administration would not only bring aid but also use it to build homes, establish production factories, and develop export-oriented industries, thus driving economic growth and recovery.
As the election approaches, Premadasa’s pledge of aid, alongside his criticism of the current and rival candidates, underscores his campaign’s focus on economic rejuvenation and a strong rebuttal against perceived failures of the current administration and opposition.
