Ranil Hands Over Sri Lanka to New President

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to all those who supported and did not support him, and announced that, in accordance with the mandate given by the people in the presidential election held on the 21st, he will hand over the country to the newly elected President Anura Dissanayake.

Wickremesinghe further stated that he has safely guided the beloved child named Sri Lanka thus far, and he prays that under the leadership of the new President, this child will be safely guided across the bridge to a brighter future.

"The majority of the people in this country have made a decision in the presidential election held on September 21. We must respect that decision and ensure the continuity of the Sri Lankan state," said outgoing President Wickremesinghe.

He added "Two years ago, I took over the country during an extremely critical period when it was bankrupt and plunged into an economic abyss. I accepted this responsibility at a time when many lacked the courage to face such a challenge. I have successfully fulfilled the responsibility entrusted to me by history."

Wickremesinghe went on to note that in a short span of two years, he managed to rescue the country from bankruptcy, and believes this is the most significant achievement of his political career for the benefit of thecountry. 

"When I took office, inflation was at 70%, and I was able to reduce it to 0.5%. I also increased the country's foreign reserves from $20 million to $5.7 billion. Additionally, I strengthened and stabilized the rupee, reducing its value from 380 to 300 against the dollar. Furthermore, I improved the economic growth rate from -7.3% to 2.3%. I am proud of these accomplishments. I trust that future generations of this country will properly evaluate my historic political duties. My place in history as a leader of this country will be determined not today, but in the future," he added.

The people have decided to entrust this beloved child to President Anura Dissanayake to guide it safely across the bridge, said Wickremesinghe.

"Mr. President, I hand over the beloved child named Sri Lanka, which both you and I love, with great affection. I pray that you will be able to guide this child more safely across the bridge than I did. Whether in power or not, whether holding office or not, I will fulfill my duties to the people of this country without any hesitation," he added.