The UNP extended its congratulations to the NPP on Friday, lauding their recent electoral victory, particularly their success in securing the trust of Northern voters.

Speaking at a press conference in Uluvitake, Galle, UNP Chairman and former MP Wajira Abeywardena, acknowledged the NPP’s achievement, emphasizing that it had now secured the parliamentary strength necessary to govern the country without impediment.

Abeywardena said that it was now incumbent on the NPP to deliver on the promises it made to the people during the election campaign.

“The NPP has now secured the power to govern without any hindrance. It is time for them to fulfil the high expectations the people have placed on them,” Abeywardena said. “The current President must also meet the significant hopes of the people. As Sri Lankans, we are pleased to see a political party from the South gaining the trust of the North.”

He said that after independence, Tamil leaders had represented the Cabinet at various times, though they did so on behalf of their respective political parties. “For example, while the former government’s Minister, Douglas Devananda, represented the Cabinet, he did not represent a political party from the South; he carried out his duties for his own party, not as a representative of the South,” Abeywardena said.

He said that the current political situation as a “special occasion,” pointing out that the success of a political party from the South in winning the confidence of voters in the North was a significant achievement. “This is a victory not only for the NPP but for Sri Lanka as a whole,” he said. “We, as Sri Lankans, must come together at times like this and build a consensus for the betterment of the country.”

Abeywardena also expressed the UNP’s perspective on the challenges facing the current government. He pointed out that, while the expectations of the people were high, the power held by the government was immense, and it would be a significant challenge to live up to those expectations. “Power is a tremendous force. The real challenge now lies in how the current President and the government use this power to benefit the people of Sri Lanka,” he said.

The UNP Chairman also reiterated the party’s position that, despite the NPP’s success, they would face immense challenges in delivering the changes they promised. “Even after winning the election, we believe that overcoming these challenges will be difficult,” Abeywardena stated. “Our position is grounded in our economic policies and our understanding of the political dynamics of Asia. We stand firm in our belief that overcoming these challenges will require more than just parliamentary power.”

Despite the critical tone, Abeywardena concluded by emphasizing the importance of democracy in Sri Lanka. “We, as part of the democratic process, express our stance on these matters, but we also celebrate the progress and success of the people in shaping the future of our country,” he said.