24 August 2019 09:48 am
UNP Deputy Leader and Minister Sajith Premadasa yesterday claimed that his presidential candidacy is confirmed.
“Do not have doubts about my candidacy as I will definitely contest the presidential elections in December this year,” Mr. Premadasa told a rally in Matara yesterday adding that it will signify a turning point in Sri Lankan politics.
Minister Premadasa said his intention was to see that ordinary people in the country were benefited by the economic development.“ There is no point in boasting about achieving economic growth if the Appuhamys and Bandaramenikes cannot reap the benefits of such a growth,” Mr. Premadasa said.
“I am ready to break rest and starve on behalf of the people in this country. I will not be a leader who will occupy mansions but intend to dedicate my whole life for the people,”.
“I will spend my time in villages and grama sevaka divisions resolving people’s problems. The pharmacy in the rural areas and schools in villages will be more valuable for me than a bulletproof vehicle,’ he also said.
Mr. Premedasa also pledged to ensure the country’s security and added that he will not use the security forces to clean up cities. He said he will safeguard the dignity of the forces.
“I will walk among the people like my father as a person born among ordinary citizens of this country. If I have to die I will die on the roadside with the people the same way my father did,” he finally said.
A large number of UNP ministers and MPS participated in the rally including State Minister Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Harshana Rajakaruna and Indika Bandaranayake along with others who attended the rally in Badulla last week. (Yoahn Perera and Krishan Jeewak Jayaruk)
Pix by Pradeep Pathirana