National People’s Power (NPP) Leader, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressed confidence in his party’s prospects for the upcoming 2024 Parliamentary elections. Addressing party candidates, Dissanayake attributed the NPP’s recent presidential victory to public trust, presenting the party as a driving force for reform in tackling Sri Lanka’s economic and political challenges. He noted that the NPP overcame significant obstacles, including the influence of the media and the power of the ruling establishment.
“The people placed their faith in us despite the ruling camp’s vast resources,” Dissanayake stated.
He emphasized the need for strong political leadership to transform the country but warned that the current three-member Cabinet, which includes himself, is insufficient to enact the necessary changes. Dissanayake urged voters to provide the NPP with a strong mandate in the November 14 elections by sending a capable team to Parliament.
“To make our transformation agenda a reality, we need a strong political force in Parliament,” he said.
He also highlighted the failures of past administrations with parliamentary majorities, such as those of Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010 and Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2020, and stressed the importance of prioritizing quality representation over sheer numbers. Dissanayake assured that while the NPP’s candidates may be new to Parliament, they are well-versed in handling the country’s political challenges.
“Our candidates may be new to Parliament, but they are no strangers to the political challenges of this country,” he added.
Addressing public dissatisfaction with previous parliaments, Dissanayake described them as corrupt and self-serving, pledging that the NPP would work to restore public trust and reform the political system.
