Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake |
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered a powerful message to the public on Sunday, emphasising that the upcoming Parliamentary elections on 14 November offer a unique opportunity for the people to “clean up” the Parliament and establish a new political order.
Addressing a public rally in Homagama, President Dissanayake reiterated that the power to initiate much-needed reforms now lies with the citizens, urging them to elect candidates with integrity and a genuine commitment to the country’s future.
“We need a strong step forward,” the President said. “The people no longer have faith in Parliament. Whenever a disaster strikes the country, people often say they wish the disaster had hit the Parliament instead. This sentiment reveals the deep disdain the public feels towards our legislative body.”
Dissanayake explained that the current Members of Parliament were elected by the people, yet many have failed to live up to the expectations placed upon them. “This group did not seize power, the people sent them there. But within a short time, the very people who voted for them are disappointed and disillusioned,” he noted, criticising the gap between the people’s hopes and the actions of their elected representatives.
The President highlighted specific incidents, including a no-confidence motion brought forward against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, as an example of how public trust has eroded. “A no-confidence motion was brought against Keheliya Rambukwella, and the Parliament absolved him. Yet outside of Parliament, he was exposed as a fraud. This is why people feel that the Parliament is full of criminals,” Dissanayake said, pointing to the broader issue of corruption and misconduct within the country’s legislative body.
He urged the public to see the 14 November poll as a critical moment for Sri Lanka’s future, stressing that it is the people’s responsibility to elect candidates of high moral character. “14 November is the day of a great effort to clean up the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Some have already stepped aside voluntarily, and more than 60 of the 225 former members will not be contesting. But if we truly want to clean up this Parliament, we must fill it with persons of integrity, courage, and dedication to building this country,” Dissanayake stressed.
He further emphasised that Parliament was dissolved under Presidential powers, giving citizens the power to reshape its makeup. “The power to clean up Parliament is now in the hands of the people,” he said, urging the public to choose wisely and elect candidates who will not betray their trust or cross over.
Addressing critics of his party, the National People’s Power (NPP), President Dissanayake dismissed claims that they need outside help to steer the country in the right direction. “We do not need external forces to correct our path. What we need is to build a powerful Government that is untainted by corruption and led by those who are not for sale,” he asserted.
The President expressed confidence in the growing support for his party, the NPP, and stressed the importance of continuing their mission. “Day by day, the people are turning towards the compass. There were those who doubted us, but they are now coming to realise that we represent a sincere love for this country and its people,” he said.
As the 14 November elections draw nearer, President Dissanayake urged the public to seize the moment and help fill the Parliament with MPs who truly care about the nation’s future. “Let’s ensure that this mandate, which you have entrusted to us, is fulfilled. The changes that need to happen are within reach. Let us fill the Parliament with those from the compass on 14 November and move forward towards building a better future for Sri Lanka,” he said.
