President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that true revolutions are not about violence or destruction, but about creating a foundation where people can advance with dignity.
Pointing out that the “Urumaya” program has been able to create that background for the people of Sri Lanka, the President said that everyone should unite with the “Urumaya” program, which will popularize the genuine socialist ideals beyond partisan politics.
The President made these remarks at the “Urumaya” freehold land deeds award ceremony held at Tambuttegama Mahaweli Stadium, where he symbolically awarded 47 freehold land deeds. Accordingly, 4,012 individuals across nine Mahaweli divisions in the Anuradhapura district received their freehold land rights.
President Ranil wickremesinghe further elaborated;
“I visited Tambuttegama area 50 years ago, in 1974. At that time, there was a contention within the Bandaranaike family regarding who would step forward after the passing of Mr. Ratnamalana, a member of the Left Front who was active here.
Anura Bandaranaike expressed his intention to take up the mantle. Opposition leader J.R. Jayawardena asked Mr. Jayawardena if he would lend his support, to which Mr. Jayawardena agreed. However, Mrs. Chandrika and Mr. Vijaya Kumaratunga opposed this. Eventually, Mrs. Bandaranaike presented Mr. Ratnamalana’s son. Mr. Adhikari from the United National Party arrived in this province for our interim election.
During that period, there was no any development in these provinces. I returned to Tambuttegama in 1984, it’s after a decade, during which time we had formed a government and appointed Mr. Adhikari as Deputy Minister under Minister Gamini Dissanayake. Mr. Gamini Dissanayake entrusted him with the Mahaweli H zone, and with the support of all of us, he worked towards its development.
Mr. Gamini Dissanayake inaugurated Tambuttegama as the new main town of the Kalawewa area under the Mahaweli Development Program. On that day, Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, a new bus stand, a fully equipped hospital, the Deputy Governor’s office, and shops were all inaugurated.
I attended the event as the Minister of Education, alongside M.H. Mr. Mohammad, the Minister of Transport, and Mr. Ranjith Atapattu, the Minister of Health. Prior to this, at the request of Mr. Adhikari, I had arranged for Tambuttegama Maha Vidyalaya to receive advanced education facilities and a new building.
Today, Tambuttegama has blossomed into a highly developed city. When I first visited the province in 1984, my friend MP Anura Dissanayake was a student at that school. Through our efforts to enhance its educational standards, he excelled in his exams and subsequently attended the University of Kelaniya, which we helped establish. Now, he has the privilege of working alongside us in Parliament.
When the “Dhawala Pathrika” was introduced, it faced significant opposition from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna. Today, I take pride in seeing one of its members emerge as a presidential candidate, a testament to the success of our education system.
During my visit today, the principal mentioned that Tambuttegama College still lacks adequate resources. Therefore, plans are underway to construct a new building for the college. Our efforts have propelled significant advancements in these provinces. Several Irrigation Ministers and Mahaweli Ministers have originated from this province, reflecting our collective progress.
While MP Anura Dissanayake and I collaborate in Parliament, our political affiliations differ. He recently affirmed this in Parliament, identifying Mahinda Rajapaksa as the key figure in his political stance. This divergence doesn’t concern me; whether someone aligns with Rajapaksa or the United National Party or other parties, our imperative remains collaboration for the common good.
I recall when Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike was there to give the presidency to Mr. Anura Bandaranaike when she gave up the office of President. At that moment, Mr. Anura Dissanayake courageously stepped forward and requested Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa to take up the opportunity, supporting him during the election. For me, their political affiliations are not an issue. Today, we stand united beyond political divides. Whether they are Rajapaksa supporters or United National Party supporters, our common goal is the recovery of our country. Recently, the United States acknowledged Sri Lanka’s remarkable progress, urging other nations to follow suit.
Two years ago, our political system faced a collapse. Which country faces a three-day search for a prime minister? Such disruptions are unheard of in politics. Moreover, in any country, a single-seat holder becoming president is unprecedented. Despite these challenges, through collaborative efforts devoid of political agendas, we have stabilized the country’s economy. This achievement underscores the power of working together for the greater good.
Before that, we experienced various political conflicts. However, during times of national crisis, we cannot afford division. If we do not unite, there will be no country left to govern. Over the past two years, we have focused on providing relief to the people. Instead of remaining in the depths of economic despair, we introduced a program three times larger than ‘Samurdhi’ called ‘Aswesuma,’ bringing comfort to the nation. Government employees received an allowance of Rs.10, 000. In 2015, following the salary increase I implemented as Prime Minister, this allowance was granted for the first time. We also bolstered agriculture by ensuring farmers had ample fertilizer.
The economic crisis affected all citizens, but as we rebuild, we must not forget those who struggled. The farmers of this province have consistently yielded good harvests, which has bolstered our economic recovery. As a token of appreciation, we have initiated a ground-breaking program to grant freehold land rights, a move emblematic of true socialism in our democratic socialist nation. This echoes China’s approach to developing its economy through traditional socialism, ensuring prosperity reaches the people.
We have initiated a program aimed at establishing an export-driven economy in our nation. This endeavour ensures that people are empowered with rights—a true testament to socialism and revolution. Unlike past upheavals involving violence and destruction, this is a peaceful and transformative revolution. Through the “Urumaya” program, 2 million people in our country will secure their land rights. I urge everyone to embrace this opportunity and advance with pride. This marks your liberation, freeing you from dependency on officials. Hence, I invite all to support and participate in this initiative without political divisions.
MP S.M. Chandrasena;
Today marks a joyful occasion for the residents of Rajarata, a province rich in tradition and inhabited by many. President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Rajarata today to inspire the next generation and address longstanding land issues that have plagued the people. Land disputes have frequently inundated the courts across the country for years.
To alleviate these challenges, the President launched the “Urumaya” program aimed at resolving land issues. Despite past efforts by local land ministers and leaders like the JVP, including the province’s economic recovery from the turmoil of ’88-’89, challenges persist. The region, crucial for the country’s rice supply, awaits the benefits of the Moragahakanda project initiated in 2007, which has yet to bring water to Rajarata. In light of these circumstances, urgent implementation of a water supply program for Rajarata is imperative, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of its people. Hence, I urge the President to swiftly initiate a program to ensure water supply to Rajarata.
Former Minister P. Harrison;
The President’s long-held vision of granting “Urumaya” freehold land deeds has finally come to fruition. Although conceived seven years ago, the program faced delays for various reasons until now. Today, the “Urumaya” program is being rolled out across the country in phases; thanks to the dedication of political leaders and government officials who have made the President’s dream a reality.
During times of crisis in our nation, farmers in Rajarata did not waver in their struggles. They sought essential resources such as fuel for machinery, fertilizers, and milk powder for their children. Under the current administration, subsidized fertilizers have been provided to farmers, along with fuel for agricultural machinery. The issuance of these freehold land deeds aims to further bolster the government’s agricultural initiatives, enabling farmers to cultivate without hindrance. It is undeniable that Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe has emerged as a true leader in fostering a socialist revolution in our country.
MP Duminda Dissanayake;
Today is a lucky day for all of us, as three generations have eagerly awaited these deeds. The President initiated this program without regard to political affiliations. Let us take ownership of this “Urumaya” and utilize it responsibly. It is unfair to blame the entire society for the mistakes of a few individuals.
Despite the President’s affiliation with the United National Party, today, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party stand united with him on this platform. This occasion sends a powerful message to our nation: by setting aside political animosities, we can collectively work towards the advancement of our country.
Minister of Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi;
To ensure every individual’s basic needs are met, it is essential they have absolute rights to land. This principle guided the President’s decision to pursue these initiatives despite numerous challenges. Within a short span, he launched the ‘Aswesuma’ program and took steps to provide presidential scholarship grants to students from low-income families, ranging from primary to secondary education levels.
Under this initiative, Advanced Level students receive Rs. 6,000 per month, while selected students from grade 01 to grade 11 across all 10,126 schools acorss the country receive Rs. 3,000 per month. The President firmly believes that investing in education will pave the way for the country’s reconstruction.
His extensive international relations and political experience have contributed significantly to the current state of the country. He has also focused on revitalizing the agricultural sector, which had been neglected in previous administrations’ development efforts. The President has strategized to globalize our country’s agricultural produce through an agriculture modernization program. This marks an era of significant advancement, aimed at uplifting traditional farmers. It can be said that during this period, he is making decisions that will shape your life.
Religious leaders, led by the Maha Sangha, North Central Province Governor Maheepala Herath, Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe, Member of Parliament Ishak Rahuman, United National Party District Leader Kasthuri Anuradhanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation Saman Darshana Pandikorala, Mahaweli Authority Director General Mahendra Abeywardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandra Herath, District Secretary J.M.J.K. Jayasundara, and other government officials and policymakers were present at the event.
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