(Lanka-e-News -25.April.2025, 10.35 PM) President Anura Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka is being transformed into a country capable of successfully facing any challenge that may continuously emerge on the global stage.
He made this statement while addressing yet another rally under the theme “Victory is Certain – The Village is Ours” held on the 20th in Dambulla.
Expressing further views at the event, President Anura Dissanayake said:
“There is an election again on May 6. This election should have taken place in 2023, but the former government postponed it. At that time, we went before the courts, and the court ruled that the election must be held. However, they delayed the election citing a lack of funds. After forming our government, we are now working to hold elections on time. We want to finish this election. Even now, opposition MPs are going to the Election Commission asking them to postpone the election. This was the time when local government bodies should have begun functioning.”
“On September 21, we won the presidential election. On November 14, we cleaned up Parliament. In Dambulla, we sent home the long-time rulers. We are grateful to the people for that. Now we need to ensure the National People’s Power (NPP) wins all the local government bodies. We are not a government that operates unlawfully. The country and people, who were dragged down a destructive path, must be brought back on track. That requires immense effort.”
“To rebuild this country, a significant transformation in the public service is essential. The previous budget allocated Rs. 1,400 billion for development — the highest amount ever set aside in Sri Lanka’s history. It’s the responsibility of public servants to use these funds. As we change the presidency, Parliament, and Cabinet, the public service too must be transformed from outdated practices. We have increased the minimum wage in the public sector. By increasing salaries, we aim to gain the active contribution of public servants toward national development. Currently, there are 30,000 identified vacancies in the public sector. Young people can now apply for these without needing to bow to political pressure. This year will bring the highest revenue into Sri Lanka’s Treasury, and these funds will be reinvested into the country's development.”
“Electricity prices drop during the rainy season and rise in the dry season. Due to the lack of stable electricity bills, investors are reluctant to enter Sri Lanka. That’s why the government is focusing heavily on renewable energy.”
“For the first time in Sri Lanka, a government has been established that does not waste even a cent of public money. That’s why local politics must also change. This is a country that was run by politicians who stole billions. Corruption and theft dragged this economy into collapse. For the first time, we now have a central government free from fraud, corruption, and wastage. That’s why we must create a corruption-free local government system. The President, Parliament, local councils, and municipalities must work together for this transformation. We must all unite to create this change. We should create a country that offers relief to its citizens. And to do that, we must all commit ourselves for the next two to three years.”
“We have developed plans to improve the tourism industry. Currently, tourists only come to Sigiriya in Matale District. That alone won’t help us develop. So the entire Matale District must be turned into a tourism zone. We already have a tourism plan for that. All of us are working day and night to uplift this country.”
“We are receiving a lot of positive economic signals. The way the NPP government is steering the economy through proper procedures will soon be visible to the public. The NPP government is working with full commitment to uplift people’s lives. No powerful country in the world can buy us.”
“There was a wind power project in Mannar. The previous government had signed an agreement to purchase electricity at USD 0.82 per unit. We did not agree to that price. Why buy electricity for Rs. 25 when it could be bought for Rs. 12? Every decision we make is made considering the people’s interest. A cold storage facility was built in Dambulla with Indian assistance. We respect every country and maintain good relationships with all. But our decisions are made based on the well-being of our people. We have also received an invitation from the Japanese government to visit their country. But we expect no personal gains from any country.”
“By 2028, we must begin repaying our debt. By then, the NPP government’s goal is to elevate Sri Lanka’s economy to a strong level. Today, defeated political factions are waiting for the government to fall in October. When taxes were imposed in the U.S., the opposition was loud, but after the U.S. president extended the deadline by three months, they went silent. We are a small country. Sometimes, international decisions affect us. But we are transforming our country into one that can handle global challenges successfully. We are prioritizing national production and reviving national industries.”
“Was there a problem with the paddy harvest this season? No. Our paddy storage facilities have been revamped. The government now owns storage that can hold up to 300,000 metric tons of rice at any given time. We will never again let farmers sell their produce for dirt-cheap prices. We are developing zones to harness our mineral resources. We are transitioning to a new economic model. We move forward by strengthening the people’s trust.”
“We are investigating crimes and bringing criminals before the courts. It is the judiciary that hands out punishments. Cases have been filed against the former president’s eldest and youngest sons. Maybe even grandma will be sued. The judge will decide in court. A recent judgment revealed a fraud of Rs. 26 lakhs and gave a ten-year sentence. If we start punishing like this, some might not finish serving their sentences even in this lifetime. In the past, the law didn’t apply to the rulers. Ministers drove around in unregistered vehicles, but ordinary citizens couldn’t ride a bicycle without registering it. That’s why we’ve brought a government that enforces the law equally for all. The former IGP was hiding in fear of his own police. That shows everyone is now equal before the law. Isn’t that the kind of country we need? We also need to implement changes in the public service. Failing to fulfill the responsibility of building this country properly...”
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by (2025-04-25 17:12:12)
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