(-2024.04.17 – Jaffna Public Rally-) – Says the President in Jaffna President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that no matter in what form racism attempts to raise its head within the country, the government of the National People’s Power (NPP) will take every possible step to defeat it. He highlighted that, despite efforts by certain groups […]
(-2024.04.17 – Jaffna Public Rally-)
– Says the President in Jaffna
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that no matter in what form racism attempts to raise its head within the country, the government of the National People’s Power (NPP) will take every possible step to defeat it.
He highlighted that, despite efforts by certain groups to incite racism and mischaracterize the government, it remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding the rights of individuals in both the North and the South while fostering national unity.
The President made these remarks while attending another rally under the ‘Victory is certain – the village is ours’ national rally series today (17) in Jaffna.
He reiterated that at no point will the government take action to violate the rights or heritage of people in any province. Referring to the issue surrounding the Tissa Viharaya, the President said that to resolve it, politics must be removed from the matter.
He further said that every possible step will be taken to restore Jaffna to its former state and that no room would be given to dredge up the bitter history of the war repeatedly. Instead, the focus will be on resolving the problems of the people of Jaffna and rebuilding the area through a new urban plan.
President Disanayake noted that he fully understands the pain of the parents and relatives of the disappeared, and that to heal that pain, the truth must be revealed. He assured that the government will take all necessary steps to uncover the truth.
The President further said that the people of the country united to appoint the NPP government to begin a new chapter for the nation. He emphasised that this new beginning aims to end the dark past and lead the country toward a bright future, inviting the Tamil diaspora to return to their homeland and invest in the rebuilding nation.
Addressing the rally, the President continued:
“First, I must thank you for giving the National People’s Power a historic victory from the Jaffna district at the last Parliamentary Election. In past elections, what often happened was division among the people. However, in the last general election, the Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil people from the North, South, and East together chose the National People’s Power. Instead of being divided, the people united for the country. And now, we must never allow ourselves to be divided again. We do not want a country where we live in fear and suspicion of each other.
The aspiration of the NPP government is to build a just country where every citizen Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim has equal rights, and where we live and die together in one motherland. We have harboured hatred, fought wars, and yet we have been left with nothing but a devastated Northern Province and parents who have lost their children. We have lost friends and relatives. This happened in both the North and South. We do not want such an era again. We must put an end to it now.
Our ancestors fought wars. But for the future generations, we must build a country where there is no war, no violence, and where all live in unity. I assure you that the NPP will create such a country.
There is no place for racism in our country anymore. Racism is needed only by certain politicians. You are aware of the issue surrounding the Tissa Viharaya. I stated at the last Parliamentary Consultative Committee that it is easy to resolve the Tissa Viharaya matter if politics is removed. If the Chief Incumbent of the Tissa Viharaya, the local residents, and the Chief Incumbent of the Naga Temple come together, this issue can be resolved. Politicians are once again seeking to promote racism. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that we will never take any measures that infringe upon the rights or heritage of the people in any province. Regardless of where an archaeological artifact or historical ruins are discovered in this country, we should not view them through the lens of Sinhalese, Tamil, or Muslim identities. Instead, we ought to recognize them as part of the country’s shared heritage. We are committed to preserving and protecting these sites for future generations, regardless of ethnicity.
Although racist groups were rejected by the people, they still try to stir up conflicts based on racism. However, I assure you that no matter what form or guise it takes, the NPP government will take every step necessary to defeat racism. We need national unity. Here in Jaffna, there were traditional political leaders and large parties. Yet despite all that, you placed your trust in us. Despite all difficulties, I assure you that the trust you have placed in us will not be broken. There are issues that you expect us to resolve, and we will resolve them.
No matter how much the racist groups try to label us or protest, we will protect your rights and safeguard national unity.
First and foremost, we are taking steps to return lands occupied by the government for security reasons to their rightful owners. There is no justification to continue holding onto people’s land under the pretext of security. Every piece of land that can be released will be returned so that you can settle, cultivate, and live freely.
We are not working with the mind-set that a war will come again. We are working to prevent another war from ever occurring. That is the duty of a responsible government.
Many roads in this area were closed off during the war. We are now gradually reopening them, so you can live freely. Even in Colombo, we reopened roads that had been closed in front of the President’s House and Temple Tress. If those roads could be reopened, there is no justification for keeping roads closed here in Jaffna.
We will restore Jaffna to normalcy. We will not allow the bitter, painful history of the war to be repeatedly dredged up.
I know there is a painful issue concerning the disappeared. We are doing our utmost. If you handed over your child to a police station or military camp, then we must find out what happened to him or her. It is the responsibility of a government accountable to its people. I understand the grief of parents of the disappeared. Usually, when someone dies, there is a body, a funeral, and rituals that help ease the pain over time. But when someone disappears without a trace, that pain remains forever. I know this pain personally because my cousin too disappeared. Therefore, to heal that pain, the truth must be revealed.
This is not for revenge but for reconciliation. As a government, we are committed to this. We must not live trapped in the pain of the past. We must start a new chapter. That is why you placed your faith in us. If you wanted the old ways, you would have chosen the old parties. But you chose us for a new future. We assure you, we will build that new future without fear.
This is our country. It belongs to all of us.
Not only that, we must also systematically uplift the lives of the people. The former rulers destroyed our economy. They created a country where we couldn’t even import fuel or medicines, or repay debts.
However, now we are gradually rebuilding the economy. We are receiving support from many countries. Our ultimate aim is to rebuild this nation. And even now, we are working to ensure that the benefits of the growing economy reach the people.
Recently, I attended a District Committee Meeting here in Jaffna where we discussed proposals. We have allocated the largest provision ever set aside for construction of roads in this Province — 5,000 million rupees from this year’s budget.
Not only that, one of the darkest incidents in our history is associated with the Jaffna Library. Destroying a library tore at our hearts. Setting fire to a library represents the peak of racism. This year, we have allocated 1 billion rupees to improve the facilities of the Jaffna Library.
Furthermore, there is a large building belonging to the Municipal Council here, but it is not being utilized for any productive purpose. It is a huge building, while in our villages the houses are very small. Our Municipal Council building is quite large..We have allocated 40 million rupees for renovations to make it suitable for official use once again. These places must be developed and turned into spaces for the people.
The people of the Northern Province are also closely tied to the land. We have increased the fertilizer subsidy from 15,000 rupees to 25,000 rupees. We are also working to provide fertilizer support for vegetable and fruit cultivation. In the Northern Province, about 16,000 acres can be used for coconut cultivation. A new coconut triangle can be developed. The government must support this. We have allocated 500 million rupees for that purpose.
The government will provide coconut saplings to the farmers. We will provide coconut fertilizer. We will give financial support to clear the land and prepare it. Get ready to cultivate! Without any divisions between North, South, or East, let’s work hard together to rebuild this country.
There is also immense potential for tourism in the Northern Province. However, unlike Arugam Bay or the South, tourists do not yet come to the North in such numbers. We are strengthening the domestic air services and setting up a system for tourists who arrive in Colombo to fly to Jaffna.
We are turning Jaffna into a new tourist destination. Next year, we expect to rebuild the city of Jaffna according to a new development plan that reflects the character of old Jaffna.
Jaffna must shine as a historic city. The Urban Development Authority is already preparing the necessary plans for the reconstruction that respects their culture and history. We will allocate funds for that next year.
We are also working to resolve the drinking water issues and waste management problems faced by the people of Jaffna.
This is a government that is determined to move the country forward while treating the people of every province North, East, South equally, without any discrimination.
We also know that since 1983, a large number of Tamil people left this country. Today, they have become major businessmen and wealthy individuals around the world.
I invite all members of the Tamil diaspora to return to their ancestral land, to help rebuild their communities and their economy, and to invest as much as possible. We are inviting you to come back to Sri Lanka.
Today, this country is safe. It has become a nation free from racism. It is a country that fairly recognises the rights of everyone, a country that respects every culture. Therefore, I invite you to invest and contribute towards rebuilding this land.
This is the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter that moves away from the dark past and leads to a new future.
It is a very important political transformation. It is something that our mothers and fathers prayed for over a long period of time. In various ways, they hoped for a government like this.
Today, that government has been established a government that does not steal a single cent of the people’s money.
The old politics made this country poor. It made the people poor. But the rulers became rich.
We have put an end to that culture. Now, we invite everyone to come together, to strengthen the regional and municipal councils, and to move this programme forward.
(-2024.04.17 ජන රැලිය – මන්නාරම-) – Says President in Mannar President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasised that no room would be given for projects that harm the environment, adding that, the Mannar–Puttalam road which is currently closed due to environmental concerns, is expected to be reconnected in a new manner with alternative proposals. He stated that […]
(-2024.04.17 ජන රැලිය – මන්නාරම-)
– Says President in Mannar
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasised that no room would be given for projects that harm the environment, adding that, the Mannar–Puttalam road which is currently closed due to environmental concerns, is expected to be reconnected in a new manner with alternative proposals.
He stated that instead of racist governance, a government of national unity has been established for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history.
The President emphasized that there is no longer room for ethnic division in the country, adding that the current government treats all communities; Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim, with brotherhood and recognizes the rights of all citizens.
President Disanayake made these remarks while attending another rally of the “Victory is Certain, the Village is Ours” (Jaya Niyathi Gama Apitai) public campaign series today (17) in Mannar.
Additionally, discussions are underway with the Indian government to recommence the ferry service between Mannar and Rameshwaram. The government is also seeking public input to harness Mannar’s wind energy potential for power generation while minimizing environmental harm.
The President further stated that steps are being taken to return lands in the Northern Province, previously acquired by the government for security reasons during the war and gazetted under the Forest Conservation Department, back to the people. Further the required background would be created to reopen closed roads. He affirmed that the responsibility of a government is not about oppressing the people or burdening them with problems but to listen to their voices and resolve their issues.
Addressing the rally, President Disanayake further stated;
For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, we have ended divisive politics in an election. During previous elections people were divided, where people of the North voted for Tamil parties, the East for Muslim parties and the South for Sinhala parties. However, during the last general election, the people of the North, South and East, Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese alike chose the National People’s Power as the government. In that election, we all came together. Therefore, let us do politics without ever dividing ourselves again.
What we desire is a country where all communities live together in harmony. We have all suffered from racism. Suspicion grew among us; conflicts arose and erupted into war. As a result, we faced enough of racism related problems. We have established a new government to safeguard national unity and ensure that there is no longer any room for racism in our country. This is a government of unity. The current administration treats all communities, be it Sinhalese, Tamil or Muslim with brotherhood. It is a government that respects and upholds the rights of all people. Never before has such a government been formed. In the past, we had racist governments. Today, we have a government based on national unity. Step by step, we have laid out plans to rebuild this country.
We affirm our commitment to establishing national unity by ensuring the protection of constitutional rights, legal rights, language rights, religious freedoms and the right to preserve cultural identity. No longer will this country leave room for so-called majorities and minorities. We wish to remind everyone that there is only one people; the Sri Lankan people, irrespective of whether they are Sinhalese, Tamil, or Muslim, whether they live in the North, South, or East. We will bring in the necessary legal reforms. We will put an end to the era of division.
We know that during the war, lands in the North were acquired by the government for security reasons. Some roads were closed, and certain private lands were gazetted under the Department of Forest Conservation. We are resolving all these issues to enable people to live freely, to cultivate their lands and to carry out their daily activities in an environment of freedom.
Mannar represents a region of strategic importance for our nation’s development. This coastal district boasts not only natural beauty but also abundant valuable resources that contribute to our national prosperity.
The fishing industry serves as the primary livelihood for a significant portion of Mannar’s population. However, we have identified concerning instances of unauthorized fishing operations in the Pesalai area, where illegal vessels are causing substantial harm to our marine ecosystem. During recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister, we held extensive discussions in this regard. Our seas and marine resources rightfully belong to our people. Therefore, we are taking active steps to resolve this issue. At the same time, we have instructed the Navy to take firm action against all illegal activities taking place in our territorial waters. It is the responsibility of our armed forces to protect our maritime resources and we are committed to fulfilling that duty.
Likewise, we are also working to resolve land issues related to agriculture. We will provide fertiliser subsidies and renovate paddy storage facilities to purchase farmers’ harvests. We urge you to be ready to work, and we will provide the support you need.
Furthermore, there was once a large-scale boat service operating between Mannar and Rameshwaram. We are currently in discussions with the Indian government to revive that service. Additionally, the Mannar region has significant potential for wind power generation. In the past, there were approvals granted for such projects without proper consultation with the public, leading to environmental damage. As a result, we have temporarily halted all such projects. However, we are prepared to move forward in a way that ensures minimal environmental impact and does not harm people’s lives, by engaging with the public and taking their views into consideration in utilising these valuable resources.
You are the ones who know this area best. Therefore, we will not permit any destructive projects that harm the environment. We are committed to ensuring that every project is carried out with the consent of the people and with minimal environmental impact. You are aware that the road between Mannar and Puttalam has remained closed for a long time. Reopening this road will shorten the distance to Puttalam by approximately 90 kilometres. We intend to re-establish the connection between Mannar and Puttalam through a new approach, proposing environmentally conscious alternatives to the current road construction. It is the government’s responsibility to ease the burdens of the people, not to create suffering or entangle them in further hardship. We have built a government that listens to the people — a government that works for the people.
You are well aware that two and a half to three years ago, Sri Lanka’s economy had completely collapsed. Even here in Mannar, there were former ministers from those previous governments. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers and State Ministers collectively brought the economy to its knees. Our country reached a point where we could not even import essential goods such as fuel and medicine. It was the ordinary citizens who suffered — not those responsible for creating the crisis. That is why the people of this country came together to establish a new government. Today, we are gradually restoring economic stability.
For the first time in five to six years, our nation possesses its largest ever foreign reserves. The Rupee has remained stable for over six consecutive months. We have successfully reduced fuel prices, increased the salaries of public sector employees, enhanced ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefits and are preparing to extend ‘Aswesuma’ welfare support to an additional 400,000 families by July. We are committed to caring for our people. We are providing all essential school uniforms for children. Students in smaller schools — those with fewer than 300 students — are receiving free footwear.
We have allocated Rs. 6,000 each for 1.6 million students to purchase schoolbooks and supplies. Moreover, after several years, we are recruiting 30,000 new employees into the public service. Today, one does not need to chase politicians to find employment — applications are called publicly, and those who perform best in competitive examinations will be selected on merit.
There is currently a shortage of Tamil-speaking personnel in the public service. Similarly, there is a shortage of Tamil-speaking officers within the police force. Therefore, we need Tamil-speaking individuals to join the police. This year, we plan to recruit 2,000 new officers into the police service. We encourage you to send your Tamil-speaking children to join the police. It is a highly respected profession — one that is vital for upholding law and order in our country. We will ensure they are given attractive salary scales along with other benefits. Similarly, we also encourage Tamil-speaking individuals to join the broader public service. Let us all come together to rebuild our country.
As the national government and as the President, I assure you that neither I, our Cabinet, nor any of our ministers will not steal even a single rupee from the people. We will not waste a single rupee. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, we have established a government free of corruption — a government that protects the wealth of the people without squandering it. Such a government has never before existed in our country’s history. From the very day when appointed as the President and the ministers took office, their plans were about stealing. But today we have always been planning about rebuilding the nation. We must safeguard and strengthen this government. We do not steal, and we will ensure that those who have committed theft are properly punished.
We are investigating all incidents, including the murders and the Easter Sunday attacks. Even though the people of our country have always respected the law, in the past, those in power acted above the law, undermining it. A country where the law is not upheld equally for all cannot move forward. Today, in every developed nation, the law is applied equally to everyone. We are committed to establishing that same principle here.
Let us move forward together. This year, we have allocated Rs. 1.5 billion for road development in the Northern Province. Additionally, we have earmarked significant funds for the development of coconut plantations in the North. If you are willing to cultivate coconuts, the government will provide plants, financial assistance for land preparation and support for fertilizers. This year alone, funds have been allocated for the cultivation of 16,000 acres of coconut in the North. Let us also strengthen our local government institutions. Submit your proposals — we are ready to allocate the necessary funds. However, we must ensure that trustworthy individuals are appointed to manage these resources responsibly. In the upcoming elections, I urge you to fulfil your responsibility. Let us move forward together.
(-Colombo, April 10, 2025-) Yesterday (10th), Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan Akio Izamata and Head of the Political Division Shinichi Murata met with JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva at the JVP’s head office. The Ambassador expressed his congratulations on the great victory obtained by the National People’s Power as well as his views on the […]
(-Colombo, April 10, 2025-)
Yesterday (10th), Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan Akio Izamata and Head of the Political Division Shinichi Murata met with JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva at the JVP’s head office.
The Ambassador expressed his congratulations on the great victory obtained by the National People’s Power as well as his views on the anti-corruption program and the development of its action plan. The Ambassador stated that the anti-corruption programs implemented by the government led by the new President are very satisfactory and that it appears that the country is making progress in the right direction. As they discussed certain challenges and obstacles faced by Japanese investors in Sri Lanka in the past, they agreed to provide the necessary space in the future to facilitate investment in Sri Lanka within the limits of the legal framework.
The Ambassador drew the attention of the Chief Secretary to the interest of Sri Lankan youth in pursuing education and employment opportunities in Japan and the training provided by Japan to them, which in turn will enable them to develop the skills to make a significant contribution to Sri Lanka.
Aside from expressing appreciation for Japan’s long-standing friendship with Sri Lanka, the Chief Secretary expressed his hope that the two countries will continue to enhance cooperation in the pursuit of technical knowledge for Sri Lanka’s development.
2025.04.05 in Anuradhapura
2025.04.05 in Anuradhapura
(-‘Victory is certain – the village is ours’ Monaragala District rally – Buttala Town – 2025.03.29-) – President says addressing the public rally in Buttala President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that victory in reclaiming the nation would be brought to villages through local government bodies. He emphasized the need for a robust local governance mechanism […]
(-‘Victory is certain – the village is ours’ Monaragala District rally – Buttala Town – 2025.03.29-)
– President says addressing the public rally in Buttala
President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that victory in reclaiming the nation would be brought to villages through local government bodies. He emphasized the need for a robust local governance mechanism that can allocate funds without fear or hesitation.
The President highlighted that local government bodies should be established before June 2nd and their proposals must be submitted to the central government by July-August. Accordingly, he assured that the necessary funds for villages would be allocated by November.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake made these remarks while addressing a public rally in Buttala on May 31 as part of the “Jaya Niyathai – Gama Apitai” (Victory is Certain, the Village is Ours) public rally series.
President Disanayake further stated;
“The National People’s Power (NPP) has successfully won both the Presidential and General Elections. There is no doubt that all 10 local government bodies will be secured in the upcoming Provincial Council Elections on May 6. The people of Sri Lanka now have no alternative political force to turn to because the NPP stands as the only movement capable of securing the country’s future.
Previous governments held on to power through misinformation, intimidation, and violence. They deceived the people with false narratives and relied on criminal gangs to maintain their authority. The result was economic ruin and destruction. The damage done to this country is immeasurable.
Investigations are underway into corruption and the illicit acquisition of houses, petrol stations and bar licences by former political leaders. More revelations will soon expose cases where individuals exploited national crises for personal financial gain. The people of Thanamalwila stood strong against criminal influence and played a crucial role in ensuring the NPP’s victory. This administration was formed through the collective efforts of such determined communities.
No force can destabilize or topple this government. The commitment to rebuilding the nation remains unwavering. Despite being in power for a short period, significant progress has already been made for the country and its citizens. Economic stabilization has been achieved within the past six months and a long-term plan is in place to maintain sustainable interest rates. Due to these improvements, 76 previously halted foreign-funded projects have been revived.
Restoring confidence in Sri Lanka’s banking sector is critical. As a result of economic stabilization, investors are once again showing interest. In Colombo alone, 15 prime land plots have been identified for major investment projects, reflecting renewed investor trust in government policies. A corruption-free investment environment has been ensured, allowing businesses to operate without the burden of bribery or commissions. Unlike previous administrations that purchased electricity at inflated prices, power procurement will be done at competitive rates, ensuring affordability for the people.
The latest budget marks the highest allocation in history for infrastructure development, including roads, tunnels, and buildings. However, despite having financial resources, there is a shortage of adequate public officials to efficiently execute these projects. While the upper echelons of the public sector remain strong, a decision has been made to recruit 30,000 new employees to enhance government efficiency. The era of securing government jobs through political influence has ended. A strong and effective public service is essential for rebuilding this nation.
Alongside the increase in maximum salaries for public servants, pension benefits for Members of Parliament have been eliminated. The previously provided pension insurance of LKR 1 million has been reduced to LKR 250,000. Vehicle permits have been discontinued, and fuel quotas for MPs have been cut by 50%. These measures set a precedent for responsible leadership, prioritizing national development over personal privileges. Unlike previous administrations where politicians benefited from both salaries and pensions, the current leadership is focused on reducing unnecessary expenditure.
Financial assistance for low-income families has been expanded. In June, an additional 400,000 families will receive unemployment benefits. Salaries for public sector employees have been increased, pension payments have been raised, and welfare allowances have been expanded. However, approximately 800,000 people in Sri Lanka currently receive no government assistance. To address this gap, an essential food package worth LKR 5,000 will be provided at a subsidized rate of LKR 2,500 within this year. Furthermore, recognizing the need for menstrual hygiene products for schoolgirls, the government has decided to distribute sanitary pads starting this April. A government exists to serve its people. Have previous administrations ever done this?
The fertilizer subsidy for farmers has been increased to LKR 25,000. Moving forward, starting this Yala season, farmers growing intercropping crops will receive a LKR 15,000 fertilizer subsidy. A fair market price for paddy has been ensured, guaranteeing that farmers receive a just return for their labor. In the Monaragala District, steps have been taken to cultivate every available paddy field this Yala season.
For Sri Lanka to progress, the younger generation must have access to new economic opportunities. Economic growth is impossible without foreign exchange earnings. The country generates dollars through tourism, exports, and remittances from Sri Lankan migrant workers. To secure the required amount of foreign currency, structured plans must be put in place to boost these revenue streams. Strengthening these sectors is the key to achieving long-term economic stability and growth.
To prevent outflow of dollars, we need to focus on producing all items that can be made locally. We encourage our people to utilize all available land for paddy cultivation. Plans have been put in place to support the development of coconut cultivation through fertilizer subsidy programme. A sum of Rs. 0.5 billion has been allocated for coconut farming in the northern regions. We allocate a substantial amount of money towards sugar imports. The Pelwatte Lanka Sugar Company alone has a debt of Rs. 39.4 billion, including VAT. Today, the Pelwatte Sugar Company is not operational, leading to an increase in production costs for sugar. Under these circumstances, a kilo of sugar can be imported for 190. When we consider the consumer needs, importing sugar is more profitable than domestic production. Can we continue this industry sustainably? Please allow us time to rebuild these collapsed institutions.
Our goal is to make the Pelwatte Sugar Company profitable again while addressing the concerns of workers in a just manner. Should we incur more debt for these companies? These businesses possess few assets and substantial debt. By enhancing their productivity, they have the potential to generate employment for youth in the area. Corruption, theft, and fraud have contributed to these issues.
The country’s tourism industry is generating a substantial amount of dollars. 2025 will be the year with the highest number of tourist arrivals. By March 30, more than 600,000 tourists have already arrived, and more than 03 million tourists are expected to visit by the end of this year. We hope to develop Pelwatte as a tourism hub. We are taking steps to improve the tourism infrastructure. The optimization of operations at Katunayake Airport is a top priority.
The year 2025 will also see the highest export revenue from goods and services. By 2030, we aim for an export income of US$ 36 billion. Additionally, 2025 will be the year that remittances from foreign workers reach their highest levels. Aren’t these good? We must ensure the country does not return to the economic conditions of 2021, 2022, or 2023.
The plans of the central government need to be communicated to the villages. In order to disseminate the country’s achievements across the villages, local councils are essential. Shouldn’t the local councils, which are aligned with each other, be entrusted to the government that represents the National People’s Power? We will present the next budget in November. In preparation for this, we will begin receiving proposals starting in June. During this time, the local political authorities in the villages should submit their proposals to the central government. The opposition has approached the Supreme Court to delay the election until the budget is completed, but the election date has been rescheduled to May 6. We cannot hold elections like this. Local councils should be established before June 2. They must submit their proposals to the central government by July-August. The required funds will be allocated by November.
When I visited the Northern Province, during a discussion with the District Development Committees, a proposal was made requesting funds for the construction of dilapidated roads in the Northern Province. We allocated Rs. 05 billion from this year’s budget for the construction of these roads. The challenge they now face is that by December, they need to spend this Rs. 05 billion to build the roads. For this, support from the local councils and municipal councils is required. When I visited Anuradhapura, it was pointed out that funds are needed for the renovation of the irrigation systems, such as the Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa, and Huruluwewa reservoirs. We allocated Rs. 03 billion from the budget for the restoration of these systems. However, after further discussions, they reported that Rs. 03 billion was too much and only Rs. 02 billion would be sufficient. I called all the District Secretaries and informed them about the amount of money allocated for each district. I also notified them that all activities in the districts must be completed before the end of December. Furthermore, I informed the Secretaries of the Ministries that all work should be completed by December 31.
Now, we have the funds, and it’s time to complete the work. To do this, we need a strong local mechanism. Previously, a road that cost Rs. 01 million was done with Rs. 02 million. Now, if we allocate Rs. 01 million, we will get results. No need to allocate double. The increase in funds this time will enable us to carry out the work more efficiently. We can now allocate funds without fear, but we need a reliable local system to manage it. If someone else takes control of the local council’s authority and submits proposals, we will have to review them one by one. In that case, we will not be able to allocate the funds. We need to form a trustworthy team to manage and allocate the funds. We lack confidence in other teams that might behave similarly to past administrations.
After 76 years, a government has been formed that does not misuse public funds. In the past, political leaders would always take a portion of the funds, even when giving jobs or constructing roads, some money would go to the Minister’s house. We are receiving information that government officials are also involved in corruption and fraud. If that happens, the hard-earned job will be lost in a very short period. Isn’t that how we should build our country? Several officials from the Police Department and the Customs Department have already been sent home due to corruption. Political leaders cannot advocate against theft while participating in it themselves. We have structured this system correctly, and we will never allow the corrupt to form a government again. Corruption within the central government has been eradicated. Previously, even local councils were heavily corrupted; we need to clean up and restore them as well.
There are still questions about why we do not prosecute corrupt individuals. The power to punish corrupt officials does not lie with the government. Investigations and prosecutions must be carried out by the judiciary. We have granted full independence to the relevant institutions for this purpose. Multiple cases against corrupt individuals have been filed; future legal actions will also be initiated against the Sevanagala and Kataragama properties owned by former rulers. The investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks and Krrish deal are also on-going. Three former Ministers are currently in remand custody, one is concealing himself. Let’s see how long he can hide. The former Inspector General of Police has also been remanded. The country has now been established as a place where the law operates impartially, even against those who have abused power and wealth.
(-Colombo, March 31, 2025-) Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide after a month of fasting and upon sighting the new moon, holds great significance in the Islamic religious calendar. Fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, embodies the values of sacrifice, self-discipline and simplicity by distancing oneself from worldly desires. This period serves […]
(-Colombo, March 31, 2025-)
Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated by Muslims worldwide after a month of fasting and upon sighting the new moon, holds great significance in the Islamic religious calendar.
Fasting during Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, embodies the values of sacrifice, self-discipline and simplicity by distancing oneself from worldly desires. This period serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity towards those suffering from hunger and as an opportunity for self-restraint and spiritual growth, which devout Muslims deeply cherish.
As Sri Lanka undergoes various social, economic and political transformations, the teachings of Islam provide an excellent example for building a society rooted in freedom, equality, solidarity and human dignity. I strongly believe that these values serve as guiding principles in our collective journey toward a just and harmonious nation.
Furthermore, as we strive to foster a responsible and ethical political culture, one that values accountability over corruption and the misuse of public resources, the principles of self-restraint and sacrifice emphasized during Ramadan offer an inspiring model. They remind us of the need to cultivate a governance system that is sensitive to the aspirations and well-being of its people.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration that transcends religious boundaries, promoting unity, compassion and selflessness. On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankan and global Muslim communities.
May this Eid-ul-Fitr bring peace, reconciliation and the fulfillment of our shared hopes for a new era of renewal and prosperity.
Eid Mubarak!
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
31st March, 2025
