By President Ranil Wickremesinghe solidified his position in the upcoming presidential election by securing the backing of 34 political parties through the signing of the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” agreement. The agreement, signed during a ceremony at Water’s Edge Hotel in Battaramulla, is not aimed at forming a new political party but rather at uniting various political factions to work toward the nation’s economic recovery and future stability.
The President emphasized that those who endorsed the agreement are individuals committed to addressing the country’s challenges, rather than avoiding them.
The event, which was blessed by religious leaders from multiple faiths, highlighted the importance of the upcoming election for the country’s future. Wickremesinghe urged voters to think about their own futures and those of their children when casting their votes, rather than simply choosing a candidate based on party loyalty.
Wickremesinghe’s message was clear: the economic stability that has been achieved under his leadership needs to be maintained and built upon. He pointed out that if the economy had collapsed, it would have been impossible to hold an election at this time. This, he argued, is a testament to the progress made and a reason to continue the current trajectory.
The “Puluwan Sri Lanka” agreement brings together a diverse coalition of political figures, including representatives from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), and the United National Party (UNP), among others. These leaders, who have joined forces under this new alliance, represent a wide range of political ideologies, but share a common goal of rebuilding the nation.
Notably, the newly formed “Podujana Eksath Peramuna” (People’s Alliance) was announced just days before, consisting mainly of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MPs who support Wickremesinghe. This alliance will play a crucial role in the President’s election campaign, with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena leading the efforts. The leadership board of the new alliance includes several key political figures, including former Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, who has been appointed as its leader.
The President’s camp has also been bolstered by support from various opposition members, including MPs from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC). This growing coalition of support highlights Wickremesinghe’s appeal across party lines and strengthens his position as a frontrunner in the upcoming election.
“Yes, we can”
Wickremesinghe’s campaign slogan, “Puluwan Sri Lanka,” which can be loosely translated to “Capable Sri Lanka,” draws a parallel to former U.S. President Barack Obama’s “Yes, we can” slogan from 2008. The slogan encapsulates the President’s message of optimism and determination to overcome the country’s economic challenges and build a brighter future for all Sri Lankans.
As the election approaches, the focus remains on economic recovery, with Wickremesinghe urging the electorate to prioritize stability and progress when casting their votes. The “Puluwan Sri Lanka” agreement represents a unified effort to navigate the country through its economic challenges and secure a better future for its citizens
