In a press conference held last week, Aragaliya activists came together to show their support for the SJB. The panel was made up of key figures within the movement, who shed light on their decision to throw their weight behind Premadasa’s leadership.
First, Lahiru Galappatige articulated the group’s stance by emphasising their shift from silence following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapakse to active support for Premadasa. He said “We cannot support someone who has not even run a grocery shop all his life and is dependent on others for everything from his underwear. We don’t believe such a person can rebuild this country”, pointing out the need for a leader with a proven track record. In their view, Premadasa’s tangible contributions as an opposition leader set him apart, making him the preferred candidate to steer the nation towards recovery.
Next, Manoj Mudalige echoed these sentiments by highlighting the importance of practical solutions in addressing the country’s challenges. The group’s endorsement of Premadasa stemmed from a thorough assessment of his proposed programs, which they deemed as the most viable for national reconstruction. Mudalige criticised the superficiality of certain political narratives and urged others to rally behind the substantive policies advocated by Premadasa. He said “We invite all those who participated in the Aragalaya but have stayed silent and out of politics to join us to go forward with the practical policies of Sajith Premadasa instead of getting deceived by fantasies of those who are spewing out impractical solutions.”
Finally, Randimal Gamage said “The original objectives of system change of the Aragalaya remain and we are supporting the practical program proposed by the SJB and its leader Sajith Premadasa who has experienced and demonstrated his abilities to achieve those objectives.” Gamage emphasised the need for competent leadership, contrasting the shortcomings of past administrations with the promise of a Premadasa presidency. Drawing attention to the importance of youth inclusion and principled governance, Gamage painted a picture of a future under Premadasa’s stewardship that prioritises the nation’s interests above all else.
The speakers collectively urged individuals who had previously refrained from political involvement to join their cause, rejecting illusory promises in favour of concrete actions. Their call to support Premadasa and the SJB resonated with a desire for genuine progress and a departure from the status quo. As the political landscape in 2022 continued to evolve, the Aragalaya supporters stood firm in their belief that Premadasa’s leadership offered the best path forward for Sri Lanka.
