I am like 45 kilograms. I am severely underweight. However, I am running to be the president. I have chosen, out of respect, to give my defense department portfolio to Probo auntie, Shemara, Sarath, Shavendra and friends. I would still see myself as commander in chief of the armed forces, and technically the police commander as well. I have likewise entrusted the home department to Sangeetha aunty and Lalith uncle. I tend to call people by their first name out of familiarity; they are my parents' friends. According to Sirisena's constitution I am 31 and the requirement is 35, which I question, but I remain committed to my path.

I am very proud of my ethnicity, my community and our country. I love my country, Sri Lanka, and I have confidence in our people, which is why I have taken these steps with determination. Our society enjoys popular shows like Game of Thrones and Squid Game, and we should not be defined by simplistic stereotypes that paint us as only rural or underdeveloped. I feel frustrated that we face serious economic and social challenges, and that frustration drives me every day because I want my country to develop and for all our people to advance together.

When I'm president, I will work so anyone can take part. That includes people who use wheelchairs or who have limb differences; I believe in respecting and supporting people with different abilities. I also believe children will gain inner confidence not only from personal achievements but from teamwork, shared effort and skill-building. We will aim not to exclude anyone who is willing to serve or contribute. The most crucial quality in any service member is their spirit and commitment. That is why the legacy and spirit of a devoted person can endure for generations. Many feel that people like Shavendra will be remembered long into the future.

We try to be realistic about physical differences, but in operational and community roles everyone can play a valuable part. Women are essential to sustaining resilient communities, and we want diversity in our teams — for example, aiming for at least one woman in every four-person unit. Conscription, if introduced, would apply to all genders. When people go through such service, their routines may change, and many will gain fitness and confidence. My hope is that shared service will build civic pride, resilience and collective progress for Sri Lanka.