report in Daily FT, Dec 16, 2023
-Re-elected SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa tells National Convention party remains powerful and still is SL’s strongest political force
—-Claims country’s youth have been deceived by a political group and have fallen prey to external and internal forces
——Says there are concerted efforts to portray Rajapaksas negatively by blaming economic collapse on regimes led by them
——–Pledges to deliver justice for party supporters who were harmed or had properties damaged on 9 May 2022
—–Basil Rajapaksa asserts party’s opponents should not mistake them for cowards; emphatic at any future poll, SLPP will be the triumphant party
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by the Rajapaksa family yesterday vowed to secure victory in all upcoming elections and return to power proper, forming a stronger Government to rebuild Sri Lanka.
The party held its second National Convention at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday afternoon, during which former President and SLPP Kurunegala district MP Mahinda Rajapaksa was re-elected as its leader.
Addressing SLPP supporters following his re-appointment, the 78-year Mahinda Rajapaksa said the party remains strong despite the many challenges faced and continues to be the strongest political force in the country.
He emphasised the necessity of a strong party that resonates with the people to guide the country in the right direction, asserting that only the SLPP can successfully overcome the challenges facing the country in the future.
Rajapaksa reminded attendees about the development initiatives during his family’s regimes, including the successful conclusion of the war and effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also recalled the country’s conflict years which he said were filled with fear and uncertainty until the end of the war under his leadership.
“But today’s youth seem to have forgotten these achievements. They cannot be entirely blamed, as even adults have forgotten our past. However, certain political groups have managed to deceive them now. This is the same group that insulted our war heroes. The youth have fallen prey to both external and internal forces, inadvertently causing harm to the country. The threats against Sri Lanka have not diminished in the least,” the veteran politician warned.
The SLPP leader said certain leaders merely have the gift of gab and are unable to lead a country if given the opportunity. “They are only capable of criticism. Unfortunately, some have been swayed by them and are following their lead,” he said.
Responding to allegations of causing Sri Lanka’s economic collapse, Rajapaksa asserted that there are concerted efforts to portray them negatively in the eyes of the country’s people. “They are attempting to shift the blame onto us while absolving themselves,” he remarked. According to Rajapaksa, despite the aspirations of these individuals to lead the country, no one is willing to entrust them with that responsibility, and the sentiment among the people is the same.
Commenting on the regime of his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the SLPP leader said the Government at the time was able to successfully manage the COVID-19 pandemic and was working hard to rebuild the country.
“It was during that time that propaganda which instigated the people was initiated. You may recall what transpired. We should no longer fear them and close our eyes and ears,” he said.
The SLPP leader also pledged to ensure justice for the party’s supporters who were either personally harmed or had their properties damaged during the violence on 9 May 2022, which ensued after SLPP supporters attacked the Galle Face Green GotaGoGama protest site.
He expressed that justice is still elusive for many SLPP members who were attacked. “A commission should have been appointed, and an inquiry should have been carried out. The police did not apprehend the masterminds behind the incidents. The real criminals remain free, but their masks have been removed before the country. We will resolve the issue fairly someday,” he said.
Rajapaksa also commended his party’s supporters and said the country which almost lost due to Aragalaya was saved only through the mandate given by their support.
“We now need to embark on a new journey together with people of all races and creeds. I invite everyone. With their support, we will win all elections. I also invite anyone who supports clean politics and wants to rebuild the country to join us,” he said.
SLPP founder Basil Rajapaksa also addressed party supporters during the meeting. He said for a party that was established merely seven years ago he was immensely proud that it has remained undefeated and won every election it has faced.
He recalled the party’s contributions to the country and highlighted that it was their leader who dispelled the two main fears people had: the threat posed by the LTTE and the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In the future, irrespective of the elections held, the triumphant party will be the SLPP. The credit goes to our dedicated party members. Moving forward, we must fortify and empower the party,” he said.
He also encouraged SLPP members to avoid harbouring hatred, always following the advice of SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also directed the supporters attending the meeting to be law-abiding while returning to their hometowns, cautioning that there are groups monitoring for mistakes to exploit on social media.
However, he asserted that the party’s opponents should not mistake them for cowards, emphasising that they are prepared to respond in kind if challenged. “Let us establish our own Government. Let us prepare for future victories and build a strong, not weak, Government as before. Let us remain undefeated,” he said.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena as well as Ministers and MPs including Namal Rajapaksa, Johnston Fernando, Prasanna Ranatunge, Sagara Kariyawasam, Dhammika Perera, Tiran Alles, Jeevan Thondaman, Douglas Devananda, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Gamini Lokuge and many others party stalwarts.
https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Rajapaksas-vow-to-make-strong-comeback/26-756413
