Writing a letter to President Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, Minister Ranatunga has "Today, we must not ask people to select “good” people as politicians, but provide the opportunity for people to select the “best” people from good candidates. That duty is mainly entrusted personally, to the good reasoning powers of the two of you and dependent upon the power vested in your supreme designations. I believe that in the upcoming parliamentary election this would be one of the best ways to defeat the opportunists and corrupt persons.
“Honorable President, Honorable Prime Minister, remarkably for the first time in the Sri Lankan political history, today both of you are able to move all parties and people in the North and the South towards one destined objective. Even though both of you belong to two different political parties and ideologies, today you are able to make decisions collectively; important issues have been resolved as a result of this key alliance, understanding and leadership.
“The distress I have right now is that the partners and masterminds of that ongoing conspiracy are not outside but amongst us. The henchmen who became the back scratchers of the defeated regime, casino owners who looted and misused public money openly, heroine and ethanol dealers, black market dealers and deal makers are now changing their moves. Now disguised in new outfits, their attempt is to get close to you and to continue their same manipulative behavior. I kindly ask you not to be deceived by them. The real call of the hour is to view the situation with a discerning eye, leading us to make right choices.
“On the 8th of January we established a milestone of a beginning of an ideal era in the history of Sri Lankan politics. There is yet on the one hand the great task of rebuilding the country, which was misdirected by family rule and family business. On the other hand, there is also the great challenge of the political parties and movements working together. We must also not forget that there are political conspiracies and maneuvers, as expected, to paralyze our march forward and to bring back ‘the family’ into the power.
“In my view the upcoming election is critical in many ways. I believe more than all the other factors, the upcoming election is crucial for the future of our country. The entire future of the 8th January victory can be determined by the results of the upcoming election.
"Therefore, I kindly request you not to permit nominations for casino/ betting centre owners, gambling agents, heroine- ethanol and black market dealers and other fraudulent persons for the upcoming election. Furthermore, on the foundation of the same argument, I kindly request you not to grant nominations for opportunistic and corrupt persons who cross over from major parties when they are not able to secure nominations; in their own parties.” Ranatunga further said.
