By Rathindra Kuruwita

A National Peoples’ Power (NPP) government would ensure that Indian fishermen would not poach brazenly in Sri Lankan waters, depriving Sri Lankan fishermen of their livelihood, NPP presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in Jaffna on Thursday (05) evening.

During his speech, Dissanayake urged voters in Jaffna to make a crucial choice between continuing the destructive political path Sri Lanka has followed, since independence, or joining the NPP in marking a new national resurgence. He highlighted the need for a united front, inviting the people of Jaffna to stand with Muslims, Sinhalese, and Tamils outside the Northern and Eastern provinces in their collective call for change.

“You voted against Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019, voted for Maithripala Sirisena in 2015, and Ranil Wickremesinghe was Prime Minister during the 2015-19 period. All those leaders have reneged on the promises they made to you,” Dissanayake said, adding, “On 21 September, we can put an end to the politics of deceit.”

The NPP candidate criticized the current political establishment, particularly focusing on independent candidate and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and SJB leader and presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, accusing them of perpetuating corrupt and racist policies that have long undermined the country’s unity and prosperity. “The old politics that Sajith and Ranil represent is based on stoking racist sentiments,” he said.

Dissanayake also took aim at corruption, arguing that large-scale corruption has played a major role in destabilizing the country’s economy. He accused both Wickremesinghe and Premadasa of being tied to figures implicated in various corruption scandals, including the infamous Central Bank bond scams and mismanagement of public funds. “Ranil is flanked by those who have been accused of serious corruption,” he said, naming figures like Prasanna Ranatunga. He also claimed that Sajith Premadasa’s handling of the Central Cultural Fund was equally problematic. “We offer a path without corruption and waste; we will punish the crooks and seize properties made by stealing from the country.”

THe said that at the heart of NPP’s message was a vision for unity, equality, and justice. He argued that the current political system allows politicians to act above the law, citing the example of Wickremesinghe being found guilty of violating fundamental rights by the Supreme Court. “Under an NPP government, everyone will be equal before the law,” he assured the crowd.

Addressing the Tamil community’s political history, Dissanayake drew attention to their voting patterns in previous elections, where they voted against Rajapaksa-backed candidates. He urged the people of Jaffna to break from past trends and instead vote for positive change. “The 2024 vote is for change,” he said, urging voters to support the NPP and not the traditional parties that, in his view, have only led the country down the wrong path.

Dissanayake also criticizsed Tamil National Alliance MP M.A. Sumanthiran, arguing that his endorsement of Sajith Premadasa was a move against the very change the entire country seeks. “The ITAK wants you to vote against hope,” he said, emphasizing that the NPP stands as the only party that truly represents the aspirations of the people for a better, united Sri Lanka.