(-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.
