Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the foremost objective on UNP agenda for the country is the transformation of Sri Lanka into a “Smart Country.” This vision was ardently articulated by President Wickremesinghe during his address at the Special General Convention of the United National Party (UNP) which also highlighted his commitment in the economic uplifting of the nation through positioning Sri Lanka as a smart nation. In his comprehensive speech, President elucidated the electoral timeline, aligning it with constitutional mandates. He revealed that parliamentary elections will take place after the upcoming presidential election in the following year. Moreover, local government elections are anticipated to occur in the first half of 2025.
The overarching theme of this year’s UNP Anniversary Convention was “Smart Country – 2048.” The core essence behind this visionary concept lies in the ambition of fostering an intelligent and prosperous Sri Lanka, wherein every citizen acknowledges their potential, upholds virtuous objectives, embraces diversity, and harnesses modern technology and nature in the creation of a society replete with resourceful individuals. This “Smart Country” concept envisions the establishment of a thriving nation.
Away from conventional partisan politics vying for power, the principal aim of this year’s UNP Special Convention was the adoption of a nation-centric approach for the party’s reorganization. Party leader President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented an amended party constitution designed to facilitate this transformative process. A significant alteration in this amendment permits the United National Party to establish a robust online presence and actively engage on social media platforms, thus catalyzing the party’s digital transformation. The President underlined the imperative for the UNP to evolve into a technologically proficient and astute political entity, aligning itself with the overarching vision of constructing both a smart nation and a smart party.
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, the leader of the People’s United Front, conveyed his felicitations to the United National Party Special Convention. The Sugathadasa Stadium was crowded to the maximum, with attendees hailing from diverse regions of the island, including the North and East. The event commenced with great pomp and pride, featuring the party leader, President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The celebration also showcased cultural and artistic components, highlighting the richness and diversity of Sri Lankan heritage. Minister Manusha Nanayakkara presented President Wickremesinghe with a “Let’s start with me” badge, indicating the collective endeavor required to build a smart nation.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Maya Kalubowila, the editor of “Siya Rata” newspaper, presented an archived edition of the paper to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who, then, gave it to the Secretary General of the party. The President vehemently stressed the imperative need to root out corruption and highlighted the necessity for the long-anticipated anti-corruption legislation to be passed, along with the introduction of several ordinances to fight corruption within the government and political parties. He reemphasized the United National Party’s potential to contribute to the country’s economic development and highlighted the party’s role as a forward-looking entity that will champion the nation’s interests in the future.
Prominent speakers at the event featured United National Party President and Member of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena; Deputy Leader of the Party Ruwan Wijewardena; National Organizer Sagala Rathnayaka; Deputy Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam; Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara; Minister of Lands and Tourism Haren Fernando; as well as General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara and former Minister Ravi Karunanayake. The event was graced by a multitude of senior officials, United National Party members, former ministers, and religious dignitaries, led by the Maha Sangha.
