Representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), I am contesting as candidate number 14 in the Colombo district for this parliamentary election. Whether you agree with my political ideology or not, I invite you to read why I am seeking your vote in Colombo. My first attempt at running for office was in 2018, for the Colombo Municipal Council when the SLPP contested elections. As a young political leader who contributed to the creation of the SLPP, I presented a high-standard policy agenda titled "Your Winning Journey for Colombo," adding a unique dimension to our political camp. After three years in public service with the Municipal Council, I extended my term for an additional year before stepping down to pass the role to another young leader, and shifted my focus to national political matters. From 2011 to 2015, I served as the Executive Director of the National Youth Services Council, providing leadership at the national level to the Sri Lanka Youth Parliament and the National Youth Society Federation. I co-chaired the International Committee of the largest youth summit in Sri Lanka’s history, the 2014 World Youth Conference, held successfully in Colombo with participation from close to 140 countries. Subsequently, in 2020, I served as the Director of the National Media Center for Development, and in 2021, as an Additional Director of Policy for the Government, serving the public. I was born in "Waralla," a vibrant village along the Colombo-Anuradhapura road. My family home sits by a large paddy field. My father was a farmer, and my mother, who taught mathematics, supported our family after my father's passing, by working at a rural bank. Due to the possibilities afforded to me by free education, together with my determination and courage, I conquered the world. My entire education was made possible thanks to the gift t of free education. While at Maliyadeva College, I received a scholarship, and subsequently while at the Wayamba University, I received financial support from the Mahapola scholarship. I pursued further studies abroad through another scholarship. I've written three books: A Hundred Unclaimed Letters, Corona Diary, and, From Poverty to Samsung: The Korean Development Model. I've read thousands of books, and to this day, I give books as gifts to anyone because I believe knowledge is our greatest wealth. I've traveled to 52 countries across every continent, attending various UN summits, conferences, trainings, workshops, and events with hundreds of young people from around the world. My international exposure and extensive global network have enabled me to launch creative projects in partnership with the Sri Lankan government to empower our young men and women. One example is the founding of NextGenSL in 2017, an organization which brings together young leaders from all parties to advance Sri Lanka’s political culture. Through NextGenSL, many of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic leaders, top executives, party leaders, intellectuals, and foreign envoys have engaged with emerging young political leaders for training and mentorship. We have worked hard to shape the constructive political dialogue currently taking root in Sri Lanka. Some might suggest that I wait for an easier time, when the party is guaranteed victory, to run for office. However my parents worked for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in our village, and I engaged in student politics, not for power but to champion the social democratic political ideology I believe in. I've debated on hundreds of televised shows, addressed gatherings across the country, and written countless articles as part of this ideological struggle. I respect other political camps for their intellectual resilience and self-discipline. Even in challenging times, I will not leave the SLPP. In the most trying moments, I am contesting the election from the Colombo district under number 14 for the SLPP. I firmly believe that in Parliament, at a time when educated and intelligent public representatives are needed, I, who am professionally capable and committed to democracy, will earn your trust as your elected representative.