Anura criticises Ranil’s erratic behaviour

By Rathindra Kuruwita

National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has dismissed President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s suggestion that representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should be present if the two engage in a debate on economic policy.

Speaking at a rally in Matara on Thursday (12), Dissanayake accused Wickremesinghe of making a mockery of important matters.

“Initially, he began addressing questions to me during his political rallies. I responded by inviting him to debate the economic policy. Now, Wickremesinghe is saying IMF representatives should be present for such a debate. I told him not to be ridiculous. People are voting based on the ideas we put forward, not for third parties to intervene in our discussions,” Dissanayake stated.

He went on to criticise Wickremesinghe’s increasingly erratic behaviour, labelling it an insult to the presidency.

“Sri Lanka needs a principled political movement that can galvanise the people towards collective action. This is the only path towards true development for the country,” he said.

Dissanayake also predicted that over 150 current Members of Parliament would not return following a general election, set to be held after the 21st September presidential election.

“There are too many corrupt individuals in Parliament. People are eager to clear out this political swamp, and we will give them the opportunity to elect a competent team. Send a strong NPP team to Parliament. We plan to have a Cabinet of 25 members. We will abolish MPs’ pensions, eliminate vehicle permits for MPs, and stop covering the utility costs for ministers’ residences. Presidential pensions will be scrapped. Sajith Premadasa copies most of what we say, but not these points. If he did, most of his supporters would desert him the next day,” he said.