Asia’s oldest democracy has spoken and the people’s will must be respected. My sincere congratulations to @anuradisanayake for obtaining this resounding mandate from the people of Sri Lanka, to become the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka.
What is clear through this result is that you have united a nation to win a common mandate shared by people from all walks of life.
Throughout our history, our nation and its people have endured unprecedented challenges - one that they have now placed their trust and faith in you to resolve.
The road ahead will be long and formidable, but with the will of our people with you, I trust that you will achieve it.
This campaign was long, grueling and admittedly divisive. I also pray that with this fresh start, you will use this golden opportunity to unite our country under a common identity - a feat that many of your predecessors failed to do.
Sri Lanka needs to work forward together as one, now more than ever.
That said, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President @RW_SRILANKA whose candidacy I supported and campaigned for.
Two and a half years ago, in the midst of fuel queues, power outages, chaotic civil unrest and an unprecedented economic crisis - the thought of having such a peaceful, credible election in a state of absolute normalcy would have been nothing short of a dream.
President Wickremesinghe undeniably and indisputably restored stability to our country with the active participation, contribution and sacrifice of its citizens.
Despite the outcome of this election, I am confident that the future pages of history will record that whether or not you voted for him, President Wickremesinghe has earned the gratitude of every single Sri Lankan citizen for his remarkable leadership over the last two and half years - for steadfastly guiding us out of troubled waters to calm seas.
In addition to resuscitating, reviving and reforming the economy that our new President will now inherit, President Wickremesinghe delivered key socioeconomic development initiatives that benefitted many citizens, including my constituents in Batticaloa.
For the singular, exceptional leadership that Ranil Wickremesinghe provided us in our times of strife and the grit, will and determination he displayed to leave us in unquestionably a better state that where we were when he assumed responsibility two years ago - in my book, he is one of the greatest Presidents that we have had.
To our new President - your success is Sri Lanka’s success. For that, I root for you wholeheartedly and wish you the very best in this historic journey forward!
Replace schools with liquor stores?
Very concerned about Sir Razeek Fareed Vidyalaya in Sikaram, a village in Arayampathi DS, Batticaloa.
The school, approved by Eastern Provincial authorities was established in 2020, currently serves over 40 students and is growing. (1)
My alma mater, Alighar Central College of Eravur emerged as the National Champions in the 1st XI Division Schools Football trophy today. A very proud day for Eravur and Batticaloa!
An unimaginable feat for a small-town school with minimal facilities and infrastructure to defeat top urban schools with the best facilities at their disposal.
Attached is a photo of this team’s practice ground.
Goes to show that there is plenty of promise outside of Colombo - we only have to invest into and create the enabling environment and leave the rest up to them.
The talent in Batticaloa has proven time and again of what they are capable of.
Over to you Hon. @fernandoharin.
The first Muslim COVID death since the gazette notification which permits either burial or cremation occurred this morning, incidentally was of Mr. S.A.C.M. Kaleel - a gentleman well known and close to me for many years, hailing from my hometown of Eravur.
While wishing her a speedy recovery, I hope at least now Health Minister Wanniarachchi shall understand the importance of listening to scientists & experts, not politicians & sorcerers. Some officially solicited, yet ignored expert advice given below.
#StopForcedCremations
Today marks one week since Govt-appointed expert panel submitted its report to the Health Ministry, where it recommended burial & cremation for COVID19 deceased, citing science. The Govt is yet to act, while the death toll increases. Where is the humanity?
#StopForcedCremations
Late last night I drove by the Borella crematorium to see the outpouring of support. While driving by, I noticed a group of policeman dressed in their “PT” kits loitering around the gate of the crematorium. There were hundreds of white cloths hanging in protest on the fence.
This is an overt attempt by the Government to stifle peaceful civil disobedience by well-intentioned members of public, & a clear indication of suppression. What’s more evident is this protest was making waves & definitely has caught their attention. In that aspect, we’ve won.
You may have removed those cloths, but the message has spread to every corner in the country. Today, white cloths fly high everywhere in silent protest. You may try, but you cannot silence us. Your defiance is now clearly obvious for the world to see.
#StopForcedCremations
Heartening to note that the #WhiteClothProtest is spreading through business and homes across the country in less than 24 hours. A peaceful protest against the denial of basic rights, ignorance of science and the embrace of racism. #StopForcedCremations