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RW issues farewell message

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In a special address, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Sri Lanka for the mandate granted during the 21st presidential election. He acknowledged that, in accordance with the will of the people, the leadership of the country should now be passed on to President Anura Dissanayake.

President Wickremesinghe extended his sincere thanks to all those who supported him during his tenure. He reflected on his role as a caretaker, stating that he had guided “the beloved child of Sri Lanka” across significant challenges, symbolized by the “Vine Bridge,” and expressed his confidence that under President Dissanayake’s leadership, the journey will continue safely and successfully.

The full transcript of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s speech is shown below;“Ayubowan!

Dear Citizens,

The people of the country have given their decision at this Presidential Election held on 21st September 2024. Therefore, we must respect their decision and act according to that mandate to ensure the functioning of the country.

Two years ago, I took over a bankrupt country and a collapsed economy at an extremely turbulent time.I accepted the challenge at a time when no one else had the courage to face it.

I successfully completed the responsibility that history put upon my shoulders.

I was able to rescue my motherland from bankruptcy within a short period of two years.

I believe this to be the most important thing I could do for my country during my political career.

Inflation was 70% when I took over the country, but I could reduce it to 0.5% during my time as the President.I increased the Foreign Reserve, which was at USD 20 Million when I came to power, to USD 5.7 Billion.

I was able to ensure that the Sri Lankan Rupee which was 380 against the US Dollar, came down to a strong and solid amount of 300.Also, when I took over, the economic growth of the country was negative 7.3% (- 7.3%). But I was able to increase it to positive 2.3% (2.3%). I am happy and proud about it.

I believe that the future generation of the country will give the proper assessment for my historical political role, the way it deserves.

I am aware that my place in history as the ruler of this country will be decided not today, but in future. 
I followed the right path and saved people from hunger and sorrow. I hope that the new President will also follow the right path and put an end to the remaining issues that the people are facing.

I was eventually able to carry the dear child called Sri Lanka along a long distance safely – on the dangerous rope bridge.

Close to the very end of the rope bridge, people have decided to handover the dear child called Sri Lanka to President Anura Dissanayake.Mr. President, here I handover to you with much love, the dear child called Sri Lanka, whom we both love very dearly. I wish that you will be able to carry this child away from the bridge to the other bank, even safer than the way I carried the child.

I will be devoted to serving my motherland with or without power, with or without a post or powers, for the rest of my life.  I wish to thank everyone who supported me, who did not support me, and all the citizens of the country during my time as President. Thank you.”

(President’s Media Division)

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“If this continues, country will end up like the KDU bus”: Ex-President Ranil warns

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Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated that people with political experience should be appointed as parliamentary representatives in the upcoming General Election.

Joining a press conference held in Colombo, Wickremesinghe further stated that if not, the country will go into another crisis situation.

Responding to a question, the former President also spoke on not seeking to enter the parliament in the coming election.

“Now it is enough that I was in the Parliament. I believe we need to form a new group from within our alliance representing the ‘Gas Cylinder’ because these are the only experienced people in the country.”

Today, the government lacks experienced individuals, he claimed. “These people have been working consistently for the past three or four years, helped me turn this around in two years.”

He further added, “Sri Lanka could be the fastest country to emerge from bankruptcy, but the path forward is uncertain. Without capable leadership, the situation could spiral—just like the KDU bus veered off the road. That’s why I urge everyone to send knowledgeable and experienced individuals to Parliament.”

(AdaDerana)
(This story, originally published by AdaDerana has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Distribution of polling cards for general election continues today

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The Department of Posts has designated today as a special day for distributing polling cards for the upcoming 2024 general election. 

Senior Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe announced that 2,090 distribution offices will be open, with 8,000 staff assigned to the task.

Polling cards will be distributed from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the public is urged to cooperate throughout the process.

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Landslide warning issued for eight districts

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The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early landslide warnings for eight districts due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.

The warnings have been issued, effective from 05 pm today (02) to 05 pm tomorrow (03).

Accordingly, the warning notices under Level 02 have been issued to the Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara and Ratnapura districts.

Early landslide warnings have been issued to Bulathsinhala in the Kalutara district, Udapalatha and Yatinuwara in the Kandy district, Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella, Dehiowita and Kegalle in the Kegalle district, Pasgoda in the Matara district and Ratnapura, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kuruwita, Kahawatta, Godakawela and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.

Meanwhile, Level 01 early landslide warnings have been issued to Welimada and Haldummulla in the Badulla district, Elpitiya in Galle district and Polgahawela in Kurunegala district.

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