“We eradicate poverty and make people rich”

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa expressed his belief that one of the main goals of the party is to implement state policies that will eradicate poverty and build a prosperous society. He shared this view at a rally held in Mahiyanganaya today (15).

Rajapaksa criticized the policies of his rival presidential candidates, expressing regret that their policy statements seem to exploit the poverty of children and the elderly for political gain. He emphasized that under his leadership, Samurdhi recipients would not remain dependent on state welfare indefinitely but would be transformed into income-generating entrepreneurs and employed young men and women.

During his speech, Namal Rajapaksa said:

“We have the ability to uplift your economy. We have a plan in place to build a prosperous country for you. Unfortunately, the government that came to power in 2015 had no desire to implement this plan. They were focused on revenge. They accused us, investigated us, and imprisoned us. After all the investigations, the leaders had to admit to the media and in Parliament that the Rajapaksas had not stolen anything. We were acquitted in court. Yet, it’s sad that they are still campaigning using those old slogans to gain votes. I believe the people of this country will see through this.

Another issue is poverty. Some politicians still exploit poverty. When we look at the election manifestos of the other candidates, it’s disappointing. Every leader is trying to sell the poverty of children and the elderly to gain votes. There is no plan to free the people from poverty. That’s why the Samurdhi program was dismantled in recent times. Some leaders benefit from seeing people remain poor because it makes it easier to win votes.

We believe that one of our main goals is to eliminate poverty and build a prosperous population within our country through our policies. In our government, we will protect the Samurdhi program. I assure you that we will not limit Samurdhi recipients to being dependent forever. We will transform them into income-generating individuals, entrepreneurs, and employed youth. We have a plan for that, and we will implement it.

I won’t speak about those who signed peace agreements. We ended the war. We will not allow the country to be divided again, nor will we grant land and police powers under the 13th Amendment. I assure you with responsibility that we will not allow that to happen.

We will not allow you to be confined to a terrorized village again. Please take this message back to your village.

Your political party, your political force—the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna—is the party that will win the upcoming elections. On the 21st, I kindly ask for your support to ensure the victory of the political force you built, by marking the symbol of the flower bud in front of Pohottuwa, and turning it into a winning force.”

Rajapaksa’s speech reflects his party’s vision of moving beyond poverty and focusing on economic development, with promises to empower citizens and protect national unity.