Sajith Premadasa’s inaugural rally in Galle Face: promises to assign Sarath Fonseka to ensure national security

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The inaugural rally of the New Democratic Front presidential election campaign was held at Galle Face Green this afternoon. `The rally was themed "Forward Together" and the Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Front Sajith Premadasa was welcomed warmly by the crowd. Leaders, Ministers and MPs of the United National Party and affiliated parties of the United National Front, attended the rally. Sajith Premadasa began his speech with apologizing for his statement claiming his mouth was holy (Sri Mukaya) on a previous occasion recently. He apologized stating that he is humble enough to apologize whenever he makes a mistake. Minister stated that his government will create a country that will move forward with innovation, new ideas and new technology. He promised that his government will make the general public, the labourers, the fishing community, the agriculture community and state sector officials victorious. He assured that there will be no corruption in the new Sri Lanka they intend to create, he added that if there is any member in his government who would deviate from their plan and embrace corruption he would have to pack his bags and depart from his government. He noted that he would sign a pledge with the youth and grant them legal rights along with the women in the country. He assured that he would come to a pledge with the farming community as well by assigning a presidential task force for the farmers. He went on to note that he intends to strengthen the relief provided to the farming families and provide a certified price for their harvest in the country. Minister shared that he also intends to promote fishing and uplift the lives of the fishing community along with the labour community without harming the local entrepreneurs in the country. H added that he has plans to ensure national security as well, he added that he has the perfect individual at his disposal to battle modern terrorism. He further added that he has no personal favourites and the person who is fit to carry out the duty would be appointed accordingly. Hence he would appoint Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka with the highest responsibility to ensure national safety in the country. He went on to note that he would provide a relief package and a development package, apart from their Samurdhi benefit for all the Samurdhi beneficiaries to uplift them from poverty. He added that he intends to fight unemployment by establishing commercial zones in every sub-district secretariat. He promised that he would not engage in lethargic politics as he intends to visit all the electorates. He declared that he is willing to prove his strength to those who claim he is weak, he added that unlike some he was not presented the candidacy of the UNF on a silver platter and his perseverance and dedication got him the mandate to run for president. Minister extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who made the greatest contribution, on this journey to be the candidate. "My dear friends, we have a long journey ahead. It is a journey which would render the country victorious. It is an honourable journey, a powerful journey. We should protect this country with our very own life, we should ensure the security of every inch of this land. We should give prominence to our ways, the ways of the city and the ways of the village. We should build our very own developed Sri Lanka, an honourable Sri Lanka. Give us the mandate to achieve these targets." he concluded. Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that he condemns the criticism directed at the deputy leader Sajith Premadasa referring to his late father since he was named the presidential candidate. PM reflected on to the history and stated that the late Ranasinghe Premadasa was a pioneer in rebuilding this country. PM added that during J.R. Jayawardena's tenure, they ended the feudal system, the colonial system, built two large trade zones and initiated Mahaweli and several other initiatives. He added that when Sajith Premadasa's late father became the President, he worked with him as the Minister of Industry, and together they took industries to the village. He further added that with the apparel factories in the villages brought employment opportunities to the youth in villages so they would not have to be a part of the feudal system. He went on to note how late Ranasinghe Premadasa helped the poor and vested houses with them. He finally added that with Sajith Premadasa they intend to continue what his father began. Ven. Dr Dambara Amila Thero, Civil Organization and Trade Unions Collective extended his support at the rally and noted that Sajith Premadasa is to continue the journey which started on the 08th of January with the blessing and sacrifice of the prime minister. Thero added that in his inaugural rally in Anuradhapura, Gotabaya Rajapaksa had said that he would release all the war heroes who were imprisoned based on unjust reasons. Thero added that no one was imprisoned justly and they are army and navy personnel engaged in abducting and assassinating journalists. Thero further added that they were henchman of the opposition when they were in power. He went on to note that they are suspects and judged by the courts as guilty Thero noted that they will not allow Gotabaya Rajapaksa violate the supremacy of the law in the country as long as they breathe. Minister Ravi Karunanayake noted that they would unite, shun extremism and as one party, they will get together. He added that they would dedicate the coming 38 days to see that Sajith Premadasa hails as the president of this country. Minister Navin Dissanayake, National Organiser of the UNP questioned whether Gotabaya Rajapaksa has even contested a grass root level election? He added that he was just uplifted as the presidential candidate but the people would see the man who rose through the ranks as the person fit to govern on November 16th. He further added that they needed a president with a clean slate and requested the supporters to carry the party flag and join the struggle as their former great leaders. Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, General Secretary of the UNP noted that this was the power of unity and it is the power which will elevate Sajith Premadasa to the position of President in a few days. He added that Basil Rajapaksa wants to appoint a terminator but the minister added that a terminator is good at wreaking havoc. "If you want someone who would destroy the peace, rights and the economy of this country and someone who establishes nepotism instead, vote for Gotabaya Rajapaksa." the Minister concluded.