President pledges investigation into accountability for COVID cremation policy that affected Muslims

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed regret for the difficulties faced by Muslims regarding their burial during the COVID-19 pandemic. He announced plans to introduce a new law allowing burial or cremation according to individual preferences.

Additionally, the President revealed that a committee will be established to investigate the accountability of those who recommended the cremation of Muslims. Compensation will also be provided to families who suffered injustices as a result.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these statements during the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” victory rally in Kattankudi yesterday (31).

In his address at the public rally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the country has no place for racism and bigotry as it moves forward. He stressed the importance of all citizens—Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim—working together to strengthen the country’s economy, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

Additionally, another rally was held yesterday (31) in Sammanthurai to garner support for President Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election. The event saw a massive turnout. The President also responded to a previous remark by Rishad Bathiudeen, who had said that while the President is good, those around him are not. President Wickremesinghe clarified that the upcoming election is a presidential one, not a parliamentary election.

The President mentioned that since those around him are chosen through a parliamentary election, he will seek support from those aligned with MP Rishad Bathiudeen and the Muslim Congress in the upcoming presidential election, provided they are genuinely supportive.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also recalled that although Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and his team pressured the government to reduce the prices of goods, they did not advocate for Muslim rights, such as the issue of burial practices. He emphasized that it was his government that had actively protected the rights of Muslims.

Minister Ali Sabry,

This upcoming Presidential Election is crucial. If the wrong decision is made, the people will suffer once again. We must not let what happened in 2022 repeat itself.

We’ve seen how economies in countries like Lebanon and Greece collapsed after voting for change. Except for Greece, no country that faced such an economic crisis has recovered.

When the nation was in turmoil, the only leader who stepped forward to save the country and its people was President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Today, we have access to fuel, gas, fertilizer, electricity, and medicine without shortages. Many can make false promises during an election, but you have the right to ask whether they can fulfil them and, if so, how. If we don’t manage our expenses properly, the country will inevitably fall back into crisis.

Sajith Premadasa lacked the patience to entrust the country for the next five years to the leader who once defended his father during a no-confidence motion. However, we will make sure that President Ranil Wickremesinghe secures victory in this election.

Former Governor M. Asad Sally,

It’s a significant achievement that a country that was unable to repay its debts is now in a position to hold large gatherings like this. By the time this election campaign ends, only a small number of supporters will remain with Sajith Premadasa. Soon, more people will join hands to support the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Anura Dissanayake goes around the country, quoting false statistics and claiming to lead in this presidential election. But the people have not forgotten the history of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). They are not ready to entrust the country’s governance to such individuals. The crowds at rallies are just heads, not votes that will be cast into the ballot box on Election Day.

Before asking for votes from the people of this area, I challenge Sajith Premadasa to finish building the 300 houses in Sammanthurai where he once laid the foundation stones. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has already demonstrated his political maturity by earning the people’s trust, which we will see reflected in the election results on September 21st.

MP SMM Muszhaaraff;

In 2022, we placed our trust in Gotabaya Rajapaksa, but he abandoned us in the middle of the wilderness. When Sajith Premadasa and Anura Dissanayake were asked to take the wheel, they refused. They wanted a new vehicle instead. Seeing the state of things, they ran away.

It was then that Ranil Wickremesinghe, an experienced technician, stepped in to help. However, despite being stuck in the forest, some people still called out for an artist to save them. Now that we’ve been rescued, Anura and Sajith, who initially fled, are asking public to hand the vehicle over to them. Are you really prepared to give them the keys?

When you compare President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s manifesto with those of other candidates, it becomes clear how practical his approach is. The opposition’s plan to reduce taxes could turn this country into another Venezuela or Greece.

MP A.L.M. Athaullah,

Anura Kumara, who received only 3% of the votes, and Sajith, whose lack of experience shows their inability, after President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the issues in the country.

It is widely understood that Hakeem’s faction has no chance of winning. President Wickremesinghe stands out as the only leader with the experience needed to resolve any problem of the nation. Our sole condition for working with the President is to collaborate with all Sri Lankans. Additionally, President Wickremesinghe’s apology for the previous government’s mistakes should be remembered as a significant moment in history

Former Minister, Daya Gamage;

I am delighted to see that all parties, regardless of religion, casts and colours have come together in support of the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The ministers and MPs here today are committed to reinstating him as president not just because he saved our country, but because they don’t want to see it return to the dire situation it faced in 2022. Our shared goal is to continue the President’s work and guide the country forward.

It’s often said that Sajith Premadasa promises to give whatever is asked of him. But since he won’t be president, these promises carry little weight. He can say he’ll provide anything because he won’t have to deliver.

On the other hand, the President understands what the people truly need. It’s worth noting that individuals like Champika, Hakeem, and Rishad, who seem to be waiting for something in return, are mostly aligned with Sajith.

Non- Cabinet Minister, Ali Zahir Moulana,

Among the three main candidates in the upcoming presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only one with the experience and expertise needed. The people of Kattankudy have numerous reasons for supporting him. His election manifesto includes a commitment to addressing land-related issues in the area, for which we are grateful.

Additionally, after the recent closure of the private university in the Eastern Province, President Wickremesinghe took swift action to reopen it and enhance higher education opportunities for our children. He has also worked to improve the Kattankudy Base Hospital, responding to long-standing demands for better healthcare.

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe has pledged to provide compensation to the families of Muslims killed in Kurukkal Madu in 1990, based on the Nawaz Commission’s recommendations. His dedication to resolving issues is the area and focusing on the future of our community is evident. I urge everyone to vote for “Gas Cylinder” to ensure a secure future for all.

Governor of the North Western Province Naseer Ahamed:

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory is now assured. Individuals like Rauff Hakeem and Rishad Bathiudeen are misleading the Muslim community instead of supporting President Wickremesinghe impartially. They have historically guided the people in this manner during past elections.

It’s important to remember that they have misled the Muslim community on four occasions. However, their endorsed candidates have never won.

Given this track record, President Wickremesinghe’s victory is certain. He is the only leader with a proven history of revitalizing the economy. During the country’s economic crisis, President Wickremesinghe worked tirelessly to address the severe issues faced by the Muslim community.

Today, the Muslim community enjoys freedom and security. I urge everyone to show their gratitude by voting for President Wickremesinghe.