Public must elect leaders that can serve nation: PM

• Calls on voters to consider leadership qualities of candidates first 
• Says a leader should be able to equally accept defeat and victory with equanimity

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has called on his supporters be conscious of the track records of candidates including their leadership qualities, ability to serve the nation and citizens beyond narrow political objectives before electing them at the forthcoming General Election.

Rajapaksa expressed these views at a meeting held in Wariyapola on Tuesday. During the meeting, he said the public should be conscience of the candidate’s leadership qualities and ability to read the situation to address any issues before electing them.  

“A true leader should able to face any challenge and find solutions for them. Those who are unable to accept defeat cannot be great leaders. A true leader is an individual who can accept defeat and victory equally,” he said. The Prime Minister said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Prime Ministerial Candidate Sajith Premadasa was unable to show his leadership qualities after his defeat at the Presidential Election. He claimed Premadasa was unable to handle his defeat at the Presidential Election and subsequently resigned from his position within the party. 

“Premadasa hid after his defeat at the Presidential Election. First he contested from Hambantota District. However, he gradually lost his popularity in the district. His biggest defeat was recorded at the Presidential Election and now he is contesting from the Colombo District,” he added.

Referring to statements made by SJB national list candidate Harin Fernando, he said that politicians should respect religious leaders. He stressed that every political party should understand the importance of every religious leader. The SLPP Prime Ministerial candidate emphasised that they aim to form a Government with a two-thirds majority to address what he termed as the shortcomings of the 19th Amendment. He noted they would be able to make “healthy” amendments to the 19 Amendment to expedite the country’s development.

“It is important to form a strong Government with the political party that represents the President. We have seen what happened during the past five years. It is important to be the Government is from the same political party as the President.”

Rajapaksa pointed out that the SLPP Government will be able to successfully implement the President’s policy statement and attain development goals for the country.