President calls for unity among all parties to rebuild SL again

UNP Leader and President Ranil Wickremesinghe

• Addresses 76th anniversary of UNP as 4th State Head of party
• Outlines a raft of measures to be implemented in 25-year national framework
• Expresses gratitude to members for having faith in party despite challenges

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday extended an open invitation to all political parties to join without differences, to build a powerful country for the future generation.

“Let’s unite and build this country as we are children of one mother. I urge you all to unite for the sake of the country. Let’s start this journey together and forge ahead fearlessly in building a glorious Sri Lanka,” he said at the 76th anniversary of the United National Party at Sugathadasa stadium yesterday.

He elaborated on a raft of economic, social, and development policies and reforms taken to direct the country on the right footing once again to ensure faster economic revival.

“If our target is 25 years, then let’s ironclad our policy framework and not allow anyone to change it each time a new administration is elected. We will implement this framework on a 25-year plan, in five-year blocks. If we are to achieve this talk, we must unite and implement them,” he added.

President and UNP Leader Wickremesinghe also extended his gratitude to the people for having faith in the party and supporting the journey of 76 years.

“We have gathered for the party’s anniversary celebrations for the first time after the COVID pandemic. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you. Not just for being here today, but for having faith in the UNP even during the difficult period. Therefore, I extend my gratitude to you all.

“Today we commemorate our past leaders D.S. Senanayake, Dudly Senanayake, Sir John Kothalawala, J.R. Jayawardena, R. Premadasa and D.B. Wijetunga who have built this country. We have learned from them and I am here as a result of what I have learned from them,” he said.

“I address you today as the fourth State Leader from this party. I am facing a different situation from what other UNP leaders had to face. I have no UNP Government. I have no UNP Parliament team. Today, we have to all come together in governing this country with the support of several other parties including the SLPP. Why? Because we have to face a grave crisis.

“I don’t think the country had to face such a crisis in its history ever. The economy has collapsed and we have to find solutions. I have come in the middle of this crisis,” he added.

Citing former Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake’s aim to unite everyone, President Wickremesinghe reiterated the importance of unity among all irrespective of religion, caste, and race. “We all should be able to call ourselves Sri Lankans,” he stressed.

President Wickremesinghe repeated his call for political unity to build a prosperous, wealthy country within the next 25 years. “Let’s start it next year and take it ahead. I may not be around to see its end, but I want to build a good future for the youth of this country,” he added.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola