Ranil Wickremesinghe has a mania for addressing the nation: Dr. Nalaka Godahewa

• Claims President is making the same incorrect decisions of the past
• Says President is resorting to oppression as he knows he will be unable to rebuild the country 
• Accuses Wickremesinghe of harbouring hate towards the people and attempting to rule without allowing the public to practice their right to franchise

Parliamentarian Dr. Nalaka Godahewa claims President Ranil Wickremesinghe has a mania for addressing the nation. Holding a press conference yesterday at the Freedom People’s Alliance office, Godahewa noted that Wickremesinghe’s Statement of Government Policy at the opening of the Parliament’s Fourth session was the second of its kind since his appointment as President. 

“How many times since becoming Prime Minister and President has he addressed the nation?” Godahewa said, adding that Wickremesinghe often finds various reasons and excuses to do so. “Each time he also presents new policies. This has become a habit,” he noted. 

The MP noted that Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister of the Good Governance Government presented 10 policy statements during its time. “Every six months he had a new policy statement,” he said, adding that Wickremesinghe is now up to the same old antics. 

“It was evident during his speech in Parliament yesterday that he has already forgotten what was said during the Budget speech. Even during that speech, he presented many yarns to the people. It is just sound and of no use to the country,” he said. 

Blaming Wickremesinghe for the current crisis, Godahewa said the economic collapse began during Wickremesinghe’s previous tenure as Premier. He said the country must repay the exorbitant loans obtained by Wickremesinghe’s Government now leading to further collapse. He said Wickremesinghe is making the same incorrect decisions as before and telling the people the same fairy tales. 

The MP said while the Government has increased taxes and interest rates while attempting to sell State assets, the country cannot be rebuilt by resorting to these tactics. According to Godahewa, knowing he will fail, the President is now using oppression against all those who dare to challenge him including university students, Bhikkhus and even political parties. 

He also accused Wickremesinghe of harbouring hate towards the people and attempting to rule the country without allowing the public to practice their right to franchise.