Colombo, August 13: Sri Lanka’s Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake has dismissed speculation that the National People’s Power (NPP) government could collapse before completing its mandate. Speaking in Hambantota, Rathnayake assured that the administration will remain in power for the full five-year term and will seek a fresh mandate from voters only after its completion.
He praised President and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya as key strengths of the government and denied any rifts within the ruling party.
Rathnayake criticised Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and MP Namal Rajapaksa, accusing them of lacking unity and attempting to destabilise the government. “They can continue their mudslinging campaigns on social media, but it won’t affect our administration,” he said.
The minister also alleged that during the Rajapaksa era, both Premadasa and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had hoped for a crisis — even a plane crash — to seize political power. “Even at the peak of the Rajapaksa government, they were waiting for an opportunity to take over,” he claimed.
Concluding his remarks, Rathnayake stressed that the NPP government’s focus remains on public welfare and delivering on its promises rather than engaging in political drama.