By Chaminda Silva

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (May Day) urged the JVP-led NPP, the SJB and other political parties not to undermine ongoing economic recovery efforts.

UNP leader Wickremesinghe said they were duty-bound to ensure the continuation of the measures taken since July 2022 to restore normalcy in the country.

Addressing the UNP May Day rally at Maligawatte, Colombo, Wickremesinghe warned them of dire consequences unless they supported his efforts.

The President disclosed that he would introduce a law inclusive of the agreements that the government had reached with the IMF. The President asked the Opposition to help him pass the law to continue to safeguard the current stable situation that the country has acquired.

President Wickremesinghe said: “We should modernise the economy of the villages to eliminate poverty. We have already commenced that programme. I will create a strong export-oriented economy and bring forward a proper method of creating a better future for the youth of this country.”

“So I request the SJB and the JVP not to remain in the traditional politics but to join hands to safeguard the economy and to create a better future for the youth of this country”, he added.

“Some people say that I am a dictator,” the President said.

“Today, different parties hold rallies and processions around Colombo city. SLPP is in the Campbell Park, SJB is holding a rally at Chatham Street, [Palani] Digambaram is in Thalawakele, the CWC [Ceylon Workers’ Congress] is holding their rally at Kotagala, JVP is in Jaffna…”

“This is democracy. Everyone can hold rallies, and they can even criticise me. This situation was not prevalent in the country two years ago”, the President said.

“At one point the Opposition Leader was attacked on the Galle Face Green and chased away. Today, we have given him the space at Chatham Street. Isn’t this democracy?” he asked

“I express my gratitude to each and every party that supported me in building up the country to this state again. Members from the SLPP, a group from the SLFP, Douglas Devananda, the CWC and several others joined hands with me”, the President said.

“I invite the other parties, the SJB, the JVP should not oppose this, to reach an agreement with the government to safeguard this situation for the people.”

President Wickremesinghe also recalled the circumstances under which he accepted the challenge after the SJB declined to accept the premiership and the events leading to the Army thwarting a bid to seize control of Parliament.