At a rally in Kalutara, Wimal Weerawansa, leader of the National Freedom Front and Executive Member of Sarva Jana Balaya, issued a stark warning, claiming that the U.S. government’s advisory to tourists about possible violence during Sri Lanka’s presidential election is part of a larger plan to destabilize the nation.
Speaking at the rally in support of Sarva Jana Balaya’s presidential candidate, entrepreneur and lawyer Dilith Jayaweera, Weerawansa cautioned all political parties to ensure the upcoming election remains peaceful, regardless of differing policies or opinions. He likened the U.S. warning to a previous Russian advisory regarding Bangladesh, suggesting that Sri Lanka might face similar turmoil if political unrest is allowed to take hold.
“America is not just warning”
Weerawansa pointed out that America’s warnings are not to be taken lightly. He highlighted how Bangladesh has been dragged into chaos following similar external predictions, with investors fleeing the country and political unrest escalating. He stressed that Sri Lanka must not follow the same path.
Dilith Jayaweera as Sri Lanka’s Saviour
Weerawansa endorsed Dilith Jayaweera, who is contesting under the ‘star’ symbol, as the candidate with the vision to save Sri Lanka from its economic collapse. He criticized the current government and other presidential contenders, claiming that they lack the necessary strategies to pull the country out of its financial crisis.
Ranil Wickremesinghe’s ‘Hidden Agenda’
In a striking remark, Weerawansa accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of being a political strategist working behind the scenes to manipulate the election. Referring to Wickremesinghe’s past political maneuvers, he warned that the president might use “hidden tactics” to influence the election outcome. However, he remained confident that Jayaweera would emerge victorious on the 21st of the month.
A Call for Unity and Responsibility
Weerawansa urged the people of Sri Lanka to ensure a peaceful election, warning that external forces were ready to exploit any unrest. He called on citizens to support Jayaweera, who he claimed is the only leader capable of navigating the country through its current economic troubles.
The rally, held near the Bandaragama bus station, was attended by several political figures, including Udaya Gammanpila, G. Weerasinghe, and Gevindu Kumaratunga, all of whom echoed Weerawansa’s calls for peace and national unity.
