The following subtitled video is Socialist Equality Party presidential election candidate Pani Wijesiriwardena’s speech to this week’s “Public Platform of Presidential Candidates” event in Colombo. Held on October 5 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, the meeting was attended by around 4,000 people and broadcast nationally by the Rupavahini and ITN television networks.

Although the organisers had declared that the presidential election candidates would be given “equal” opportunity, the event consisted of two rounds. Wijesiriwardena was included in the first round, which was open to “small party” candidates. Each candidate in this round was only given four minutes to present their views.

The second round was reserved for candidates from the so-called major parties, including the United National Party-led government and the parliamentary opposition parties, who were given extended time and were able to answer some questions on their policies.

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