Leaders of former regime won’t change their old ways: PM

11 August 2019 07:40 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who referring to the announcement of SLPP led alliance’s new name and its candidate for the presidential elections, today said the leaders of the former regime will not change their old ways even if they come in a new name and with a new colour.

The Prime Minister, who focused on the SLPP at a public gathering in Kurunegla to distribute compensation to farmers whose crops were damaged due to recent droughts, cited the famous Sinhalese saying ‘ Kiren Baddathi Kobeya, Thelen Baddath Kobeiya, Kobeya mai Kobeya. Kobeya will not become a Rajaliya. (Dover will not become a hawk no matter how it tries to change its ways).

“We heard that SLPP is to come up with a new name and had announced its candidate at its convention. I wish them all the best. However, it will not change its old ways even if they change its name and come up with a new colour. I only got to say that Kiren Baddath Kobeya, thelen Baddath Kobeya. Kobeya mai Kobeya. Kobeya will not become a Rajaliya,” the Prime Minister said.

“One must see whether they are capable of doing what they failed to do during the ten years they ruled the country. They were not able to turn the Hambantota Port into a profit-making venture, they could not provide compensation to farmers whose crops were damaged due to natural disasters. They introduced a white van culture during their time, will they accept that it was wrong and stop it if they come to power? They would not,” he said.

“We took over power when the Treasury was about to get empty. Difficulties were faced by the people during the first year of our government. We developed the economy though it was a difficult task. We did not run away from challenges and held elections. We have managed to develop exports, we restored the GSP plus which we lost during the last regime. We managed to turn Hambantota Port into a profit-making venture. We did all these in five years. The previous regime could not achieve what we have achieved even though they reigned for ten years. Therefore, people should decide whether they are going to hand over the nation to those who have failed,” he added.

Referring to climate change, the Prime Minister said monsoon rains will become a thing in the past. “The Indian Department of Meteorology has informed that there will be heavy short term showers and will also experience droughts. Local farmers will have to fit into these changes and go for modern methods. They will also have to cultivate paddy seeds which needs a lesser amount of water. They will have to think about cultivating new crops,” he said. (Yohan Perera)

Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 13

BP Sunday, 11 August 2019 11:42 PM

May be to test that you and Sirisena left them untouched.

Mm Monday, 12 August 2019 07:05 AM

Ranil never changes his useless ways either. All talk only and now trying to sling mud

cheers Monday, 12 August 2019 06:17 AM

Bayawela hondatama. His own party people are against him now how funny

GEORGE Daniel Monday, 12 August 2019 07:32 AM

What guaranty UNP won't follow old ways of Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Who is talking Monday, 12 August 2019 07:52 AM

R U helping them while you r in the UNP. Dam shame for your cast conscious.

CHULANI s WICKRAMASINGHE Monday, 12 August 2019 08:31 AM

You want to come to power again..........to do a "Bond Scam"..........this time You will be the lead...........as now You know how to get away with a scam......THIEVES !!!

Ara Monday, 12 August 2019 08:34 AM

Same will apply to your party too

Lord Wolfstein Monday, 12 August 2019 10:25 AM

Ranil, be more tough. Do not talk about killers and torturers as a gentlemen do it. Tell people very clearly that the Rajapaksas and their henchmen are a mafia clan who will exploit this land and will bring murder, torture, crime and misery. Insist that MR must resign as opposition leader and leave his Parliament seat because he is not more in the SLFP. Tell people that Gota is still a US citizen and the US will not release him from his citizenship before his US lawsuits are over, which will not happen before the elections.

Dhammika Monday, 12 August 2019 10:44 AM

Niether will you . Greedy for POWER at others expence . RW you have destroyed both the UNP and Sri Lanka . SHAME ! .

Manu Monday, 12 August 2019 10:47 AM

Has he and his useless UNP changed? You too robbed the country.

Manu Monday, 12 August 2019 10:49 AM

Even the UNP does not want you any more. You are biggest utter failure.

Shan Monday, 12 August 2019 10:50 AM

I am not a supporter of part politics and corrupt politicians, however, compare the two speeches of Gota and Ranil. PM just focus on the opposition, having nothing to offer new, whereas Gota's speech never spoke about opposition, but a national plan of action.

Amara Monday, 12 August 2019 10:52 AM

But sir, you have never changed your ways either. If you did, you would have stepped down from the UNP leadership.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Leaders of former regime won’t change their old ways: PM

Comments - 13

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Foreign powers intensify surveillance on Presidential elections as strategic interests take centre stage

New uterine loop for monkey birth control

Sajith avoids reception hosted for Iranian President

Do not be afraid to use weapons, Minister Alles tells police

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand