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President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivers the policy statement at the opening of the fifth session of the Ninth Parliament yesterday
In what could be described as the most emphatic expression to date of rallying calls for a united and better future, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday urged key Opposition parties SJB and JVP to follow SLPP in supporting nation building.
“In the interest of the nation’s welfare and the prosperity of our youth, the majority of the Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) have set aside past animosities and reached a consensus. SLPP was most critical of me. Likewise, longstanding political allies have aligned with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), including those whom I personally introduced to the political arena. If the Podujana Peramuna can unite for the greater good, why can’t the Samagi Jana Balawegaya follow suit,” queried the President during his address at the opening of the fifth session of the Ninth Parliament and presenting his policy statement.
“During the period of ‘Good Governance’, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) cooperated closely with us and for Ananda Wijepala to lead the Anti-Corruption Office, a position for which he maintains pertinent records to this day.
So, why can’t the JVP join forces for the betterment of our nation?,” the President persisted with a further question.
Wickremesinghe emphasised MPs that although “we may compete in elections separately, let us collaborate in nation-building endeavours” and renewed his invitation to all to embrace a shared vision and common purpose for Sri Lanka.
“Let us initiate change within ourselves, fostering unity and enlightenment. Together, let us create a new political ethos, dedicated not to personal ambitions but to the collective aspirations of our nation,” the President said.
He lamented that some political factions continue to advocate out-dated political remedies to gain popularity. He emphasised the need on the part of MPs to recognise that the resolution to the economic crisis lies not in political but in economic and scientific solutions.
“Progress cannot be achieved solely through political aspirations, un-kept promises, or election-focused slogans. Our commitment is to the on-going nation-building program, ensuring a prosperous future for the youth,” Wickremesinghe said.
The appeal to JVP/NPP was when two of its MPs including leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake were absent in the House (except Dr. Harini Amarasuriya) as a party delegation is in India on an official visit on the invitation of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government. Incidentally, in the midst of President’s address, several SJBers including leader Sajith Premadasa walked out of the chamber as well. However SJB MPs Vice President Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Rajitha Senaratne, Kumara Welgama, Ishak Rahuman, Vadivel Suresh, A.H.M. Fowzie, Faizal Cassim and several others stayed back and listened to the speech.
Undeterred, the President continued to make a strong case for political unity. “To construct the world, we must first develop the nation. To develop the nation, we must start by building strong families. To establish strong families, we must begin by enhancing our personal lives. And to improve our personal lives, we must first cleanse our hearts,” he said.
“Therefore, I urge everyone in this assembly to start by cleansing our hearts. To pave the way for future job opportunities and construct a better country for the youth, we must collectively choose the right path. It all begins with mending our hearts,” added the President.
It was pointed out that Sri Lanka’s journey can gain momentum only when all unite and confront this challenge collectively. “Some individuals, driven by ambitions for titles, prioritise personal gain over the welfare of the country. They manipulate the truth for their own benefit, deceiving both the nation and its people. If we divert from reality and tread the path of illusions, we risk falling into significant peril,” warned Wickremesinghe.
During his address in Parliament, the President repeated his clarion call. “I urge everyone to unite in the pursuit of our nation building dream. Let’s engage in open discussions. If there are alternative methods superior to the ones we are currently employing, please bring them forward. Let’s thoroughly examine and discuss them. By coming together and exploring the best systems for our country, we can collectively implement positive change. We are always open to such constructive dialogues. If you endorse the idea of engaging in these discussions, I am prepared to extend invitations to top officials from international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to visit Sri Lanka for these deliberations,” the President assured.
“I urge each of you, why can’t we adopt such a perspective? Despite our diverse ideas, ethnic backgrounds, languages, provincial residences, faiths, beliefs, and political affiliations, why can’t we unite in a shared vision for the country’s well-being and the future? Why can’t we reach a collective understanding for the benefit of our nation’s youth? Why can’t we join hands to reach great heights?,” queried the President.
“Our commitment lies in enriching the lives of our youth and future generations. Let us uphold this noble responsibility entrusted to us. Failure to prioritise this duty over personal agendas would be a betrayal of history’s judgment. Let us embark on this new journey together, forging a brighter tomorrow and a renewed nation. Join me in building a new era for our beloved country,” said President Wickremesinghe in summing up his address in Parliament.
His address included a snapshot of the Government efforts to swiftly revitalise the economy, which had plummeted at an unprecedented pace. The President emphasised this as a distinctive accomplishment of the administration, contrasting it with the arduous and prolonged economic recoveries experienced by other nations facing similar crises.
He also underscored that despite challenges and occasional reluctance, the Government’s economic reforms have paved the way for building a stable economy in the country. The President expressed confidence that as the country’s economy stabilises further, it will enable reducing the tax burden on the people, thus providing relief to the citizens.
