President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed that the National People's Power (NPP) must strengthen its political authority to drive the changes the public desires in Sri Lanka's political landscape. Speaking at a rally in Nuwara Eliya today (3 November), President Dissanayake highlighted the district's importance in the upcoming general election.
"Nuwara Eliya has historically been divided along ethnic lines, with separate political parties representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities," he said. "But now, for the first time, a political movement seeks to unite all communities within the district."
The President explained that if the NPP were to stick with conventional politics, its current level of power would be enough, even the presidential role. "However, following the traditional path wouldn’t have earned us public support in the presidential election," he noted.
Dissanayake criticized past leaders who clung to power despite defeats, saying such attitudes obstruct real change. He emphasized that securing broader political power is essential for achieving the NPP’s vision, noting that their current influence includes the presidency and three cabinet ministers. He stressed the importance of the 14 November election for gaining the authority to bring about meaningful reform, with plans to hold provincial council elections next year and local government elections soon.
He outlined that to make effective changes, the NPP will appoint a well-organized cabinet without the usual perks, no official residences in Colombo, or large security teams.
President Dissanayake concluded, “We will step down only once we have successfully rebuilt this nation.”
