"නැගිටපල්ලා නැගිටපල්ලා - නුඹලගේ වාරය ඇවිල්ලා"

The election results are now public after a protracted and difficult campaign.

While I didn’t stand behind your candidacy, nor did I support any other candidate, as my only focus has been on the country’s future and the protection of Buddhism, the people of Sri Lanka have spoken, and I completely respect their choice in electing Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake

My sole interest throughout this election has been to see Sri Lanka become a more peaceful and prosperous country, which is aligned with Lord Buddha's mandate to protect Buddhism.

I would like to extend special thanks to all who turned the tables on previous corrupt politicians.

I’m not waiting to see your failures; instead, I focus on your successes and praise your efforts to help develop our country with happiness, as this represents our future.

I would also like to acknowledge former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his tireless efforts over the past two years in bringing this country out of its coma and facilitating this smooth power transition. Despite facing severe economic problems, he managed to stabilize the country during a difficult time. However, both he and the nation must reflect on who should take responsibility for the crisis in the first place.

Please note that I always support the nation, not any political party. My focus is solely on the welfare of the people and the development of Sri Lanka.

To those who believe in me, I humbly ask that you give Mr. AKD and his team some time to implement their plans and show what they can accomplish.

As we have always done, don’t expect miracles in the short run; patiently wait for the gradual change of the system and support it wholeheartedly to improve.

At the end of the day, in a democracy, honoring the voice of the people is paramount, and I do so without reservation.

However, as president, I pledge that if he goes against the fundamentals of a Buddhist country, I will be among the first in the streets to protect it and oppose such moves.

I wish Mr. AKD and his team success with all my heart as they take on the challenging task of guiding and creating a bright future for the nation and its people.

Leading a nation is an immense responsibility that requires utmost confidence, skill, and good faith. I truly hope that under their leadership, Sri Lanka finds the peace, prosperity, and stability it so urgently needs.

The obstacles they will encounter are considerable, but I trust they will look to the past for lessons, learning from both the triumphs and missteps of previous leaders.

History has shown us that the true test lies not in winning an election but in governing with wisdom as true, genuine leaders and remaining attuned to the needs of the people.

Far too often, those who have ascended to power have strayed from their promises, missing the opportunity to effect genuine change. We have witnessed people throw them into the waste bin.

I sincerely hope Mr. AKD and his team will heed past errors and lead with transparency, integrity, and a vision for the long-term well-being of the country.

I wish them the best of luck as they lead the country forward!

"නැගිටපල්ලා නැගිටපල්ලා - නුඹලගේ වාරය ඇවිල්ලා"

✍ Author: Ven. Kirulapana Dhammawijaya Thero

Date: 22.09.2024