Independent Presidential Candidate President Ranil Wickremesinghe remarked on the transformation of Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake  who once fled the country due to the economic crisis to now presidential contenders. Ranil Wickremesinghe attributed this change to the economic stability achieved under his leadership.

He criticized Sajith and Anura’s calls for drastic reforms, likening them to "burning down a house," and framed his potential victory as a national success. He detailed the critical circumstances of the past two years, including severe shortages and political upheaval, notably the resignation of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on May 9th.

Ranil Wickremesinghe recounted the lack of leadership transition at that time, with key figures such as the Leader of the Opposition and Sarath Fonseka refusing to step in. He accepted the challenge to lead, and through collaborative efforts, helped stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy. He also revealed that he had invited Sajith and Anura to join the government but was declined.