Following their recent press conference, the newly formed collective, “Dinana Dakuna” (Winning South) – a group advocating for the reinstatement of right-wing politics – has released a statement responding to public and media reactions.
The group, in a strongly worded note, claims that President Anura’s current political and economic strategies are unsustainable and will lead to the nation’s failure by 2028.
“When ‘Dinana Dakuna’ suggested that Anura cannot succeed, a majority of those who voted for the ‘compass’ party appeared agitated and some even became enraged,” the statement read, referring to the NPP’s election symbol. However, the collective insists their criticism is not personal but a warning about the challenges the Sri Lankan state will face under the current trajectory.
The group elaborated on their concerns, citing the “vicious challenges” posed by the debt economy. They argued that if President Anura fails to overcome these challenges, the entire country will suffer, not just those who criticize him.
Addressing accusations leveled against them, “Dinana Dakuna” acknowledged that some perceive its members as former United National Party (UNP) loyalists, “ghosts of the past,” and individuals who benefited from or protected past corruption. They also addressed claims of being rejected by the public and politically bankrupt opportunists.
While admitting that a majority within the collective has connections to the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), they emphasized that their current views on right-wing politics are independent of these parties. They also stated that they are sensitive to criticisms regarding their political predecessors and acknowledged the presence of individuals within their past political affiliations who were responsible for both the progress and detriment of the country.
“We have sincere self-criticism about our past politics that brought us disadvantage,” the statement revealed, promising its public release soon. They maintain that their future political thinking is based on these self-reflections.
“Dinana Dakuna” further defended its past actions, highlighting its early involvement in anti-corruption efforts, including the formation of the “Dushana Vimasuma” (Corruption Watch) organization in 2010 and its role in establishing the Movement for a Just Society in 2015, which contributed to the ousting of the Rajapaksa regime. They pointed out that Anura Kumara had been a parallel force during those times.
While acknowledging the public’s mandate for President Anura in 2025, driven by the hope of ending corruption, they expressed disappointment that their belief in his ability to structurally defeat corruption is now appearing to be a “mirage.” They also noted their past support for Ranil Wickremesinghe, driven by concerns for economic well-being, recognizing a dual challenge facing the nation.
The collective stated their approval of President Anura’s adherence to the IMF framework but expressed concern over the lack of focus on wealth creation and proper state management, attributing this to the influence of socialist ideology. They urged the President to prioritize wealth generation alongside tackling corruption, criticizing their political predecessors for failing in both aspects.
“We say Anura cannot succeed because we are thinking about the country, not about power,” the statement asserted, dismissing claims of being politically bankrupt. They believe a significant portion of the country is ready to listen to their voice, arguing that electoral defeat is a characteristic of representative democracy and that the voices of the defeated should not be considered irrelevant.
Concluding with a defiant tone, “Dinana Dakuna” stated, “We are not anyone’s ghosts or devils. We are individuals who thought about the country then and now, instead of power. That is why we say, even if the dogs bark, the caravan moves forward.”
