Presidential Adviser on Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara says while some people may think they have won the presidential election prematurely, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will emerge victorious on September 21 without any doubt.
The former minister pointed out that the village members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are fundamentally part of the United National Party (UNP) and these members are ready to support their leader when he systematically works towards building the country.
“While Nalaka Godahewala, Charita Herath, Dallas Alahapperuma, and G.L. Peiris seem to have an influence over SJB, the United National Party members are steadily aligning themselves with President Ranil Wickremesinghe,” he said.
Manusha Nanayakkara further said the speech by MP Thalatha Atukorala in Parliament recently will resonate with the grassroots members of the SJB and will likely inspire them to rally around the UNP leader.
“Her speech reached the hearts of the SJB members. I believe many UNP members will make decisions after reflecting on her words. Thalatha Atukorale’s speech in Parliament contains important insights that resonate with many in the political sphere. Even those who didn’t fully understand the United People’s Force might gain some clarity from her words. We have previously highlighted his lack of experience, his impatience to become president, and how he avoided responsibility when it was offered. Thalatha’s statement in Parliament is one that everyone should hear. It prompts reflection on whether it is the Samagi Jana Balawegaya or Sajith Jalani Balawegaya that one is dealing with” he said.
Commenting on complaints about election-related appointments, Manusha Nanayakkara said such complaints can be filed, but one must read and understand the Constitution first.
“As a presidential advisor, I hold an honorary position, for which I do not receive a salary. There is no obstacle to appointing someone to an honorary position. Two state ministers are working with me in the fields of foreign employment and labour. The ministry secretary and the official board remain unchanged. As the president-minister, they provide necessary instructions and guidance in the same manner. Therefore, the ongoing work will continue as planned. MP Vadivel Suresh, as the State Minister for Labour, is addressing issues related to the labour sector, the pensions of informal sector workers, and the wages of plantation workers,” he said.
Stating that the incumbent government has been working together for two years, the former minister said that the government has raised the country from where it fell.
“There is no need for another trial. No one asks to try again. We have done what needed to be done, and now we must move forward. This country should be fully recovered within five years. When we reach our development goal in 2048, we will avoid repeating past mistakes,” he added.
Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara made the remarks while attending the inauguration ceremony of the new State Minister for Labour Vadivel Suresh today (Aug 22). (Newswire)