Presidential Elections 2024  Welcome departure from the past ! 

As we stand on the brink of a crucial presidential election, there is a sense of hope—a hope that we can finally move beyond the divisions that have long held our nation back. It is inspiring to see all main candidates adopting a national approach, focusing on issues that unite us rather than those that divide us along the lines of race, religion, language, or culture. This shift is not just a political strategy; it is a necessary step towards building a Sri Lanka where every citizen feels safe, secure, and dignified.

But even as we witness this promising change, it is disheartening to see some parties misrepresenting and distorting the speeches of Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Bimal Rathnayake. These speeches, delivered in the painful aftermath of the Easter Sunday Attacks in 2019, were calls for communities to resist extremism from within—a message that, in my view, was sincere and born out of a genuine desire to protect our nation.

I have my differences with the JVP/NPP, particularly when it comes to their approach to the economy, public service reforms, and investment promotion. One significant disagreement lies in their stance on state involvement in business. While I believe in strategic state interests, extending government control beyond these areas can stifle innovation and growth. Additionally, the proposed cap on income tax at 24% for higher earners is another area where we part ways. As you earn more, you must contribute more to the state. This is not only a matter of fairness but a necessity to prevent loss of revenue for the government, which is a critical step in avoiding economic collapse.

However, when it comes to the core values of unity and the rejection of divisive politics, we are aligned. Racism and polarization have no place in our political discourse, and this campaign must focus on what truly matters: the future of our country. In my experience, JVP / NPP has always shunned racism. 

At this critical juncture, I firmly believe that Ranil Wickremesinghe is the right choice to lead Sri Lanka. His proven track record in resurrecting the economy speaks for itself. In a time of unprecedented challenges, he has demonstrated the leadership and vision necessary to guide us through. I am confident that the majority of Sri Lankans will see this as well, recognizing his ability to steer us towards a brighter future.

Yet, as we put forward our respective cases to the people, we must do so without sowing the seeds of division. Let us engage in a robust, passionate debate about the direction of our country, but let us do so with respect for the social fabric that binds us together as one nation. We cannot afford to be prisoners of our past mistakes. Instead, let us seize this moment to build a future that all Sri Lankans can be proud of.

In the end, the choice rests with the people. I trust in their wisdom and their ability to see through the noise. But as we move forward, let us all remember that our greatest strength lies in our unity. 
Together, we can overcome any challenge and build the Sri Lanka we all dream of.