-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -19.Jan.2025, 11.10 PM) In a fiery and inspiring speech delivered in Katukurunda, Kalutara, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed a massive public gathering consisting of both Sinhalese and Muslims. Fresh off his diplomatic mission to China, the President took the opportunity to reaffirm his government’s stance on accountability, transparency, and tackling corruption—a cornerstone of the National People's Power (NPP) agenda.
With an unwavering tone, the President declared, "None of my ministers or MPs will engage in corruption. We have established a control mechanism to monitor every action. The days of unchecked fraud are over."
President Anura did not hesitate to draw comparisons with past administrations. He reminded the public of the infamous 2015 Central Bank Bond Scam, orchestrated within just 52 days of the Yahapalanaya government’s tenure under Ranil Wickremesinghe.
“While other governments opened their rule with scandals, we opened ours with a plan. Unlike the Yahapalanaya administration, which introduced a historic financial fraud in record time, we’ve implemented a robust system that prevents such disasters,” the President said with a mix of wit and determination.
In an unexpected turn, the President also addressed a more domestic matter: the coconut shortage that emerged after the NPP came to power. Though seemingly trivial, the coconut shortage highlighted systemic agricultural issues that had long been ignored.
To tackle this, the government has decided to allocate funding to cultivate thousands of acres of coconuts in the Northern Province. The plan not only aims to resolve the immediate shortage but also serves as a long-term investment in the country’s agricultural infrastructure.
“Coconuts are essential—not just for our kitchens but for our economy. While some governments imported coconuts and pocketed the commissions, we are planting the seeds for the future,” the President quipped, earning applause from the crowd.
Switching gears, the President discussed another pressing issue: the rice shortage. He criticized government officials for their failure to maintain reliable statistics, pointing out how their incompetence allowed corruption to flourish.
“One day, officials told me we had enough rice stocks to last for months. The next day, they claimed we only had 18 days’ worth. How does this happen? Because corrupt officials let their friends import rice and collect massive commissions,” he explained.
To address this, the government has begun spending billions on renovating storage facilities and empowering the Sri Lanka Marketing Board to purchase and maintain stock directly. This, according to the President, will allow the government to compete with the open market and stabilize prices for the public.
“This isn’t just about rice. It’s about ensuring that no Sri Lankan family has to choose between a meal and their dignity,” he added.
President Anura also reassured the public about the ongoing Easter Sunday investigation. He promised that the culprits behind this tragic incident would be prosecuted swiftly and transparently.
“We will not allow this case to drag on for decades. Justice delayed is justice denied, and the victims of Easter Sunday deserve better,” he said.
In a sharp critique of the previous administration, the President accused Gotabaya Rajapaksa of removing hundreds of CID officers to stall investigations into the Rajapaksa family’s crimes. “When the watchdogs were removed, the wolves roamed freely. That won’t happen under my government,” he declared.
Not one to mince words, President Anura turned his attention to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is reportedly living in a government-owned house with an estimated monthly rent of 5 million rupees.
“It’s simple. He either pays the rent or vacates the premises. This is not a Rajapaksa monarchy; this is a republic where everyone is equal under the law,” the President stated, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The President’s remarks highlighted the need for accountability, even for those who once held the highest offices in the country.
Acknowledging the public’s frustration over the lack of swift action against corrupt politicians, President Anura explained that the judicial process takes time.
He humorously referenced an ex-politician from the Colombo District who claimed he was bitten by a snake during a CID summons. “I’ve heard of creative excuses, but this one takes the cake—or the snake, in this case,” he joked.
However, he assured the public that these cases are being revisited and will not escape the government’s scrutiny. “Justice may be slow, but it’s inevitable,” he said.
The President addressed concerns about unemployment, clarifying that the government cannot engage in unnecessary recruitment. However, he announced plans to recruit 9,000 new officers for the police force and fill vacancies in customs and other civil services.
“Our focus is not on handing out jobs as favors but on creating meaningful employment that benefits the country,” he explained.
The President assured to Sri Lankan Taxpayers, 61 Trino Oil Tanks, which will utiliesed for the Indo-Lanka Joint Refinery Project, which will be exported to other counties, rest of the Trino Oil tanks will be shared by Ceylon Petrolium corporation and the IOC for the domestic operations.
The President concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline in governance and earning the public’s trust. He urged citizens to support the government’s initiatives and ignore the opposition’s baseless criticisms.
“I’m not here to entertain the opposition. My focus is on delivering what I promised. The noise they make is a sign we’re doing something right,” he said with a wry smile.
1. Zero Tolerance for Corruption
The NPP government has implemented a robust monitoring system to ensure no minister or MP engages in corruption.
2. Addressing Shortages
From coconuts to rice, the government is taking proactive steps to address supply chain issues and stabilize markets.
3. Accountability for Past Crimes
Investigations into past corruption and crimes, including the Easter Sunday attack, are being conducted with a renewed sense of urgency.
4. Equal Treatment Under the Law
Even former presidents are not exempt from accountability, as evidenced by the focus on Mahinda Rajapaksa’s housing situation.
5. Focus on Strategic Employment
The government is prioritizing meaningful recruitment in critical sectors, ensuring efficiency and value for public funds.
President Anura Kumara’s speech in Katukurunda was a testament to his commitment to transforming Sri Lanka. With a blend of seriousness and humor, he addressed the nation’s challenges head-on, offering solutions that resonate with the people.
As one attendee aptly put it, “This is the leadership we need—one that talks less about problems and more about solutions.”
The road ahead may be long, but with a clear vision and unwavering determination, President Anura Kumara and the NPP government appear ready to take Sri Lanka toward a brighter future.
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by (2025-01-19 19:19:41)
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