{
  "id": 6223754,
  "title": "NPP Gen. Secy. reiterates vow to retain power till 2050",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/npp-gen-secy-reiterates-vow-to-retain-power-till-2050",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T00:00:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/npp-gen-secy-reiterates-vow-to-retain-power-till-2050/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NPP General Secretary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe has reiterated his party's commitment to retaining power until 2050. The Kalutara District lawmaker, speaking to The Island, asserted that the electorate continues to back the government despite opposition claims to the contrary. He made the remark following a rally in Beruwala, where he declared that the incumbent administration could rule till 2050.\n\nDr. Abeysinghe pointed out that previous administrations led by JR Jayawardene and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, along with Mahinda Rajapaksa, governed for 17 and 21 years respectively. He believes his party can do better, emphasizing the success of their recent rallies in Beruwala and Bulathsinhala, which he believes demonstrate the public's continued support for the NPP.\n\nThe General Secretary also revealed that he participated in 17 smaller rallies and noted the public's backing. He stated that the upcoming challenge is to maintain this support. When asked about the choice of Kalutara district for the nationwide campaign, Abeysinghe explained that all their campaigns since 2023 have been initiated from Kalutara, attributing this to the top leadership's trust in their organizational capabilities in the district.\n\nDr. Abeysinghe highlighted the restoration of the economy during his address, referencing the arrest of SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa. He contrasted the handling of the investigation by the previous government with the current administration's approach.",
  "summary": "By Shamindra Ferdinando NPP General Secretary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe yesterday reiterated that the ruling party is confident of winning successive presidential and parliamentary polls. Kalutara District lawmaker Dr. Abeysinghe said that contrary to Opposition claims, the electorate was still with the government. The NPPer said so when The Island asked him whether his bombastic declaration […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}