A Historic Speech in Velvetithurai, Jaffna
(Lanka-e-News -31.Jan.2025, 11.30 PM) In a powerful and passionate address to the people of Velvetithurai in Jaffna, President Anura Kumara emphasized his government’s commitment to uplifting ordinary people and uniting the Sri Lankan nation. "I want to educate your children to eradicate poverty in my country," the President declared, receiving loud applause from the gathered crowd.
The President highlighted that his government, elected by the common people, is dedicated to uniting Sri Lankans rather than dividing them. He posed a direct question to the people: "Do you want to divide or unite?" In response, the crowd resoundingly answered, "Unite!" In light of this, President Anura Kumara announced a national event in October to celebrate Sri Lankan unity, reinforcing his commitment to fostering harmony across ethnic and regional divides.
President Anura Kumara stressed that, for decades, Sri Lanka had been governed by elites and political dynasties who prioritized their own interests over those of the common people. "Traditionally, the elite families ruled the country and looked after themselves," he said. "But now, the ordinary people have decided to change that pattern. They want to govern themselves and take care of each other."
He named several individuals—Ramalingam, Kumaran, and Ruben—who played key roles in organizing the rally, underscoring that they come from ordinary families. "The NPP government is an ordinary people’s government, and we will look after the needs of the ordinary people," he assured the crowd.
The President acknowledged the significant challenges faced by rural communities, including inadequate access to schools, roads, and housing. He reassured the people that his government is working step by step to resolve these issues. "We are committed to eradicating rural poverty," he said, outlining several key initiatives:
Education Support: The government has increased subsidies for Aswesuma, providing each beneficiary family with Rs. 6,000 per school-going child for educational expenses.
Small School Welfare Program: Schools with fewer than 300 students will receive an additional Rs. 6,000 per student for their welfare.
Recruitment of Teachers: The government is addressing the shortage of schoolteachers to ensure quality education for all children.
Development of Jaffna Library: Additional funding will be allocated for the improvement of the historic Jaffna Public Library.
School Shoes for Poor Families: Each school child from a low-income family will receive Rs. 3,000 to purchase school shoes.
The President passionately encouraged parents to educate their children as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty. "Education is the path to wealth and prosperity for your families," he told the crowd.
In addition to education, President Anura Kumara emphasized economic growth and job creation as key priorities of his government. "We are establishing three new industrial zones in Kankesanthurai (KKS), Paranthan, and Mankulam," he announced. "These zones will create thousands of jobs and provide new opportunities for young people."
The President also extended an invitation to Sri Lankans living abroad, encouraging the diaspora to invest in these industrial zones to support economic development in the country.
Furthermore, he revealed that the government is planning to recruit at least 2,000 new police officers and urged Tamil youth to join the police force, ensuring better representation and strengthening law enforcement in the Northern Province.
Another key issue addressed by the President was the longstanding land disputes in the Northern Province. He vowed to resolve these issues and return rightful land ownership to the people. "Land belongs to the people, and we will ensure that those who have been displaced get their lands back," he assured.
Additionally, he promised major infrastructure improvements in the region, including:
Road Development: Building and repairing roads to enhance connectivity.
Public Facilities: Expanding healthcare, education, and public services.
Fisheries Protection: Protecting Sri Lankan fishermen’s rights and sovereignty over Sri Lankan waters.
"The sea belongs to Sri Lankans," he asserted. "We will safeguard our fishing stock and ensure the rights of our fishermen are not violated."
President Anura Kumara reiterated his promise to transform Sri Lanka’s political culture. "This government will demonstrate governance without luxuries, ensuring that taxpayer money is protected," he declared. He criticized the extravagant lifestyles of past leaders, noting that Sri Lanka has presidential palaces in multiple locations, including Jaffna.
"These presidential palaces will be turned into universities or cultural centers," he promised, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to serving the people rather than indulging in lavish privileges.
The President assured the people that the days of government neglecting the poor are over. "We understand your struggles," he said. "The era where the poor were left behind without government support has come to an end."
He called upon the people to work hard and contribute to the country’s development, assuring them that the NPP government will prioritize economic growth and job creation. "We will build a Sri Lanka where ordinary people can prosper," he concluded, urging citizens to remain united in their pursuit of a better future.
As he ended his speech, President Anura Kumara once again called for unity, reinforcing that the NPP government belongs to the people and is dedicated to serving them. "Our strength comes from unity," he said. "Together, we will build a just, prosperous, and corruption-free Sri Lanka."
The crowd erupted in applause, marking a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s political landscape—an affirmation that the people are ready to embrace change under the leadership of a government that truly represents them.
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by (2025-01-31 20:21:33)
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