Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Ranil tells party members, bring back those who left us

• I TOOK OVER A COUNTRY WITH A MINUS ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 2001 AND TURNED IT TO A PLUS GROWTH

- BY YOHAN PERERA

Former prime minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesi­nghe yesterday requested the party members in the grassroots level to initiate a dialogue with those who have left the party to get them back to the fold.

Speaking at an election rally in Kirulapone, Mr. Wickremesi­nghe instructed the party members to woo those who have been disillusio­ned with SLPP as well.

“Talk to those who have left our party and get them back to our fold. Talk to those who are disillusio­ned with SLPP.TELL them that a UNP government will revive the economy,” Mr. Wickremesi­nghe said.

“I took over a country with a minus economic growth in 2001 and turned it to a plus growth. I will do the same and revive the economy which is battered by COVID-19. The country is facing a six billion dollar foreign exchange shortage. A UNP government will correct this situation,” he added.

“I have managed to get a concession for electricit­y tariffs. I questioned as to why the concession was given to those who use less than 90 units. Now the President has said to look into the possibilit­y of giving the concession to those who use up to 250 units. I have been able to extend a concession even without power. I will do more if voted into power,” he also said.

UNP Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanaya­ke said COVID-19 has started spreading once again despite the assurances given by the government.“the UNP government was able to control SAS in 2003,” he said.

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PIC BY PRADEEP DILRUSHANA

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