Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, even if independent groups are formed and contested under different symbols, the people of this country will not grant them an opportunity unless the conduct, vision, and behavior of the opposition change.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on 30th April, addressing public gatherings held in Kalapaluwawa, Pothuarawa, Akuregoda, and Borallugoda.
Addressing the gatherings, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
We are about to face an election for the third time within six months. We are preparing to exercise our votes. Only six more days remain.
This is an opportunity for us to establish the necessary leadership at the rural level and to build the structures needed to implement the systematic programs of the government effectively.
You are well aware of the condition in which the country was entrusted to us. It was not merely an economic collapse but an institutional collapse at every level.
For a country to function properly, governance must be effective, and institutions must operate efficiently with the right individuals in place.
Pradeshiya sabhas are the institutions closest to your daily lives, and you are well aware of the circumstances surrounding them when receiving services.
In 2024, the corrupt political culture rejected by people has been pushed into a state where they can no longer contest under their original banners. Thus, many are now contesting as independent groups.
However, it is the same old faces, merely old wine in new bottles. They are attempting to return under different names and new symbols.
It is clear to us why they are scrambling in this manner. The opposition is facing a crisis of survival and is now attempting to forge a consensus solely to defeat NPP Malima.
The opposition has still not realized that the people have rejected their corrupt political camp. That is why individuals like Pillayan are being elevated as national heroes. If the opposition has not yet learned its lesson, the people will be forced to teach them one on the 6th.
We need a strong opposition. However, the people must deliver a clear message, so the opposition will understand that mere rebranding without change will not lead to victory.
No matter what independent groups are formed, unless their conduct, vision, and behavior are genuinely different, we are confident that the people will not grant them an opportunity.
The responsibility entrusted to us by the people in 2024, and the social contract formed between the people and us must now be taken one step further. Our candidates have come forward to do exactly that.
People across society have begun actively participating as citizens. While some of the shortcomings and areas for improvement remain, the most important fact is that the majority shares a common goal: to rebuild and develop this country.
Even if it requires personal sacrifice or hardships, we are prepared to act in service of the expectations of the people.
Previously, when children were admitted to schools, ministers or secretaries had the authority to issue letters for school admissions, often using that authority to place children in so-called ’popular’ schools. As a result, classes that were meant to have 45 students ended up with 50, 55, or even 60 students.
Can we ensure quality education under such circumstances? How can a teacher effectively teach a class of fifty students? Therefore, we have decided that under no circumstances, whether there are vacancies or otherwise, will the Ministry issue letters to fill them unless done through the proper procedures.
The government is committed to rectifying irregularities and ensuring justice for all. In the absence of proper procedures, some individuals exploited the system for personal gain.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated that it will take some time to remove past irregularities and to bring the system into a proper procedural framework.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne and Asitha Niroshan, Kaduwela municipal Council candidate Ranjan Jayalal, and the residents of the area.
Prime Minister’s Media Division