Gotabaya’s popularity wave destroyed Sri Lanka: Sajith 

• Says those who voted for Pohottuwa en masse responsible for country’s destruction 
• Claims he is content with not accepting posts in current Govt. 
• Accuses Govt. of only been keen on playing political games 

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says Sri Lanka got swept up by the ‘Gotabaya popularity wave’ that eventually led to its destruction. 

“The country was caught up in the popularity wave of Gotabaya Rajapaksa and today the whole country has been destroyed by that wave,” he said. 

Premadasa blamed the majority of the people for going along with that wave to vote in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. “6.9 million voted at the Presidential election while 6.8 million voted at the general election to bring this clan into power. After voting for the Pohottuwa en masse they are now rejecting all 225 MPs in Parliament,” he said. 

Premadasa pointed out that even in crisis situations leaders of the past such as his own father Ranasinghe Premadasa, J.R Jayawardene, Lalith Athulathmudali and others were able to develop the country. “Till recently many of the people remained as political slaves. They were yes-men of Mahinda Rajapaksa. They are responsible for this destruction,” he said. 

Premadasa made these remarks at a Samagi Jana Balawegaya party meeting held yesterday in Minuwangoda. 

Premadasa told those gathered at the meeting that he refused to accept any positions from a President that was rejected by the people. “I have no regrets and I am content with the decision made regarding that,” he said. According to him, despite rampant corruption such as when procuring coal, the current government is only keen on carrying out political games. 

Commenting on the ongoing crisis, Premadasa said the issue faced by the country cannot be resolved in a matter of months. “Everyone must be prepared to understand this. People cannot be tricked through fairy tales anymore,” he added. 

“When I understood the crisis in this country and said we should immediately go for an election for a new mandate, certain parties laughed at me in disdain. Today they are out on the roads calling for elections,” Premadasa said. 

Premadasa claimed he forewarned of all the dangers before the country but the Government merely responded by ridiculing him. “As a result of that the whole country has suffered a tragic fate,” he said.