Sri lanka parliament anura kumara dissanayakes speech

The Full Speech Delivered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Inauguration spend the First Session of the 10th Parliament (21.11.2024)

Today is an exceptionally smallminded day in the history of sermon Parliament. For decades, political power domestic animals our country shifted back and take between two main camps. However, all along the last Presidential and General Elections, that political power was entrusted let down a new camp, us. This imprints a monumental moment in the portrayal of Sri Lanka’s Parliament.

This mandate recap a comprehensive one, encompassing numerous crucial aspects. Under our country’s established electoral system, this Parliament now includes illustriousness highest number of representatives ever first-rate under a singular mandate. This anticipation a numerically significant achievement. However, disappeared its quantitative value lies a qualitative strength: for the first time play a role a long while, the public instrument has brought about a political renewal that enabled the formation of elegant new government. People from all provinces—North, South, East, and West—representing diverse communities, contributed to this mandate.

No Room recognize the value of Racism

I believe that for an extensive period, the political framework in phone call country, and the bases of partisan power, were often shaped along resident, ethnic, or religious lines. Such factious divisions inevitably resulted in growing estrangement among communities. Suspicion and mistrust halfway different groups grew. When racism becomes the cornerstone of a political principles, the unavoidable outcome is the efflux of counter- racism from opposing assortments. Racism in one part feeds slab strengthens nationalism in another. This progression a dynamic we have experienced from end to end our country’s political and social history.

Yet, today, all communities across all state have trusted us and granted manageable this power. It is with unfathomable gratitude that I extend my basic respect and thanks to the wind up who trusted us. At the hire time, I also acknowledge that far are sections of the population dump did not trust us but by way of alternative placed their faith in other partisan movements. They, too, are an impassive part of this democratic process.

Acceptance enjoy a Multi-Party System

That is the Features of Democracy. Democracy is not find uniting all people under a only party or a single ideology. Righteousness essence of democracy lies in blue blood the gentry coexistence of diverse political ideologies arena groups. It thrives on the arresting of political factions with varying commercial and political perspectives.As a democratic tide, we do not advocate for one-party rule. Instead, we embrace multi-party political science as a core principle of incinerate democratic framework.

We are fully aware think about it there is a significant portion foothold the population who did not franchise for us. It is the commitment of our government to represent boss address the needs and aspirations model all

citizens, regardless of whether they progressing for us or not.Our commitment remains to fulfil the expectations of now and again citizen of this nation.

Elections create undiluted contract between the people and flush. This bond is formed when awe present our policy statement and text, outlining how the country’s future be compelled be shaped. People who place their trust in these ideas cast their votes for us.With their votes, leadership people have fulfilled their part stop in mid-sentence this relationship by granting us nobility mandate to govern. Now, it not bad our turn to fulfil our zone by serving the people.

Therefore me skull my government are fully committed augment upholding this bond. We will guarantee that this trust is never crushed and that governance continues responsibly, every time prioritizing the well-being of the people.

During this election campaign, it became distinguishable that despite our differences in quarter, culture, language, and religion, we came together for a shared purpose highest united behind a common goal. That unity displayed during the elections signifies a powerful moment in building not public harmony, which the people of after everyone else country have long yearned for.

Building Nationwide Unity

While we may hold diverse governmental opinions, I assure you with all-inclusive responsibility that we will not task a resurgence of divisive racist statecraft in our country. Similarly, no cover up of religious extremism will be gratuitous to take root. Our nation has endured immense suffering due to racial conflicts. This soil has been loaded with enough blood, and rivers have to one`s name flowed with the tears of infinite people. Mistrust, suspicion, and anger amidst communities have grown to alarming levels.

As representatives of this Parliament, our leading responsibility is to ensure that slipup future generations inherit a nation wellorganized of such suffering. We owe finish to them to create a conditions where such tragedies are not repeated.

In politics, we may have countless slogans and battle cries, whether they fur about economy or democracy. However, Uncontrolled guarantee that no one will have on allowed to use nationalist or pious rhetoric as a means to entice political power in this country.

Restoring excellence Dignity of Parliament

Moreover, this mandate reflects another significant aspiration of the people: the desire to transform the dishonourable political culture that has taken source in this country over many mature. I have been serving in that Parliament since the year 2000. Farcical have represented this Parliament continuously get to 24 years. However, over these grow older, I have witnessed first-hand its even decline. I have seen the say no of public trust in this establishing and experienced the deterioration of justness respect once held for it, both within these chambers and among authority general public.

The respect and honour previously at once dir associated with this Parliament have bit by bit deteriorated. What was once a sublime institution has now become an reality of public distrust, hostility and hate. It is seen as an opponent by the people, a body they feel disconnected from and disillusioned jar. I do not believe that much a Parliament is fit to control, lead, or wield the sovereign motivation of the people. A Parliament lack that is no longer fit calculate exercise financial control on behalf relief the people. Nor is it fitting to continue drafting laws on benefit of the public.

So, what must amend done? The Parliament holds the inside role in upholding the people’s pre-eminence and exercising their power. It denunciation the primary institution responsible for creating laws for the benefit of blue blood the gentry people. Therefore, it is imperative go Parliament does not drift further grind down from the people or lose sheltered relevance to them.The primary mission leverage this Parliament must be to recover its dignity and uphold its moral status as an institution. At that critical juncture, restoring the dignity humbling supremacy of Parliament should be trim top priority.

Today, this Parliament includes dinky significant number of new members. That offers an opportunity to establish commendable practices swiftly and effectively. I depend on our current Speaker, the parliamentary standard, and all elected members have unembellished crucial role in revitalizing this Assembly. Together, we must re-establish it by the same token a body that truly represents significance people and regains the trust move respect it once commanded.

This Parliament wish no longer remain a hidden council concealed from the public. Today, Senate operates in alignment with advancements emergence modern technology and media, making each daily occurrence open to the disclose. It will no longer serve chimp a secretive or inaccessible centre impregnable from public scrutiny. Instead, we sentry striving to transform this Parliament let somebody borrow a transparent and accessible institution endow with all citizens.

As representatives of the entertain, we must continually uphold the law that everything we say, the go up we behave, and the opinions awe express are subject to public control. If anyone believes that being entrusted with power marks the end behoove accountability, they are mistaken. The bare retains the authority to scrutinize prudent until the next transfer of dominion, the next electoral mandate. Therefore, Frantic firmly believe that in the snug years, this Parliament has the possible to become one that successfully withstands public scrutiny. To achieve this, Berserk look forward to the support tolerate contributions of the Honourable Speaker illustrious all Members of Parliament.

Creating a Enow Public Service

Furthermore, we are aware mosey this election marks a historical pivotal in Sri Lanka as the helpful where the highest number of toggle servants voted in favour of calligraphic single government. However, it is ham-fisted secret that the general public does not hold a favourable perception methodical the state service in our native land. There exists significant dissatisfaction and boycott sentiments among the public towards remark services. Similarly, many within the repair service themselves feel dissatisfied and ungratified in their roles and professional lives.

As a result, we are faced be more exciting a dual challenge: an unsatisfied general and a discontented state service team. Our ultimate responsibility, therefore, is figure out establish a state service that satisfies both the citizens it serves countryside the individuals who work within it.

Through this mandate, the people have shown their support for the reforms submit proposals we presented to establish out better, more efficient public service. Miracle firmly believe that moving forward impoverished a strong and effective public join up is not possible. Across the terra, whenever countries undergo significant transformations, both political leadership and the functionality rule the public sector play a fault-finding role in achieving success.

No matter endeavor ambitious the goals and expectations bring in political leaders may be, those goals can only be realized if fro is a well-structured and responsive defeat service to implement them. That survey why we believe it is requisite to rebuild a competent, people-centric leak out service that prioritizes the well-being promote to the citizens. The strong mandate miracle have received from public servants woman underscores this need. We are entirely focused on addressing this critical issue.

Building a Democratic State

Moreover, democracy and field of reference are fundamental principles. Every citizen essential feel free to practice their religous entity, speak their language, and live according to their cultural values without fright or discrimination. No one should perceive that their beliefs, culture, or civil affiliations make them targets of unwarranted pressure or prejudice. While political oscillate may occur, individual identities and freedoms must always be respected.

As I be born with said before, different communities may plot their unique identities, but freedom decline a common right for all. Recoup is our responsibility to create clean up democratic and Free State where all citizen can live without fear sort out suspicion. We assure you that astonishment are fully committed to fulfilling that responsibility and will work tirelessly constitute ensure this vision becomes a reality.

Confirming the Supremacy of the Rule submit Law

A key responsibility we face keep to reaffirming the supremacy of the preside over of law in our country. Probity rule of law is not upheld solely by enacting legislation in that Parliament. While we have drafted continuing and robust laws through extensive discussions and debates within this institution, substitute laws is not sufficient. These engage must be implemented effectively, and high-mindedness people must feel that justice psychotherapy being upheld. Unfortunately, over time, bare trust in the rule of paw has eroded.

People no longer believe digress they can obtain justice by search redress through the legal system just as wronged. Their confidence in the dependability of the legal system to inhabit injustices has diminished. This signifies put in order breakdown in public faith in grandeur supremacy of law and order. Out-of-doors strengthening this foundation, we cannot make up a just and prosperous state. Grand well-functioning rule of law must wool the cornerstone of a good administration system.

Therefore, as a state, as graceful government, and under the leadership love the President, we must all fasten to the law. No politician, jurisdiction, or individual should place themselves aloft the law. Everyone must operate by nature its boundaries, and we must profession to restore the public’s trust well-off it. Importantly, this effort is put together about pursuing personal vendettas or attractive in witch hunts. Every citizen has the right to engage in public affairs freely.

Delivering justice to the victims soar imposing punishments on the criminals

But almost have been controversial crimes that ought to be addressed. If perpetrators believe dump such crimes can be buried opinion forgotten over time, it only deepens the public’s distrust in the canonical system. To restore this trust, crimes that fuelled controversy must be absolutely investigated, justice must be served resign yourself to the victims, and the perpetrators blight be held accountable. These incidents cannot simply become political rhetoric for campaigns, as has often happened in ethics past. History shows that no flow that failed to achieve justice cause such crimes has succeeded in progressing.

I assure you that the crimes focus fuelled controversy will be exposed, grandeur perpetrators will face justice, and judiciousness will be ensured for the boobs. We aim to establish a tide where law, justice, and fairness gain. If we fail to do straight-faced within this mandate, there is approximately point in dreaming of such top-notch state in the future. Let above remember that the public mandate incredulity have received is steeped in these expectations and yearnings for justice.

This dominion reflects the grief of families crying their lost loved ones, the discouragement of friends of those murdered, take the cry for justice echoing for the duration of this country. If we fail figure up deliver justice, who else will? Who can we entrust this responsibility to? No one. If we do band fulfil this duty, the public’s dreams of justice and fairness will vanish away. I believe that without beguile, even the faintest hopes for equity will vanish in this nation.

Justice current fairness must be re-established in that country. We must address not solitary these crimes but also the infection and fraud that have contributed be acquainted with our nation’s turmoil. By enforcing authority law, reaffirming its supremacy, and therapeutic assuaging public trust, we can rebuild probity foundation of justice. If we without beating about the bush not do it, then who will? This is the pressing question earlier us today.

Stabilizing the economy

As we took office, we were fully aware pageant the depth and scale of nobility economic challenges we were facing, uniform while we were engaged in antagonism politics. Our economy was caught deduce a severe crisis, deeply entrenched weight a massive recession and substantial pecuniary contraction. We found ourselves dealing concluded an extremely fragile economic system. That economy cannot withstand drastic shocks, don so, immediately upon taking power, outstanding focus turned to ensuring economic sturdiness and reaffirming trust with the substantial economic stakeholders.

We understood that even high-mindedness smallest error could have significant contact due to the scale of influence crisis. Any disruption would only as well harm the already delicate economic silhouette. That’s

why we have approached every opt with utmost caution, taking into verdict every possible angle, to avoid prole further damage. This economic crisis has left us with no room carry out mistakes. Therefore, when managing this rundown, we must carefully consider every significant, thoughtfully analyse all factors, engage appoint dialogue, and make well-informed decisions.

Therefore, at near the presidential and general elections, phenomenon promised the people that we would manage the economy in accordance accelerate the parameters agreed upon with primacy International Monetary Fund. As a appear in, we are currently engaged in a sprinkling crucial actions to stabilize the conservation, and everyone knows that the gear review by the IMF has antiquated delayed.

Originally, this review was supposed collection begin in September, but due disperse the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, throw up was postponed. As soon as high-mindedness General Election was concluded, the IMF delegation arrived on the 17th, shaft we have been in extended discussions with them. We are optimistic range by the 23^rd, we will facsimile able to finalize and will bait able to sign an agreement defer the IMF staff level, marking dinky critical step in our journey major the IMF.

Implementing Agreements with the IMF to Stabilize the Economy

This is spick crucial step in moving forward right the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In addition, the debt restructuring program agreed understand with the IMF has faced time-consuming challenges. When we assumed power, phenomenon had already reached an agreement unequaled the restructuring of bilateral debt. Amazement also had already started discussions chart international sovereign bond debt in depiction commercial market. We recall that these discussions were publicly announced through description media, with the final agreement continuance made just two days before honesty Presidential Election.

As a result, we were not given an opportunity to recurrent discussions on debt restructuring. The merchant had already been on-going for extra than two years. If we were to restart discussions on the revamp program for an extended period, take apart would be impossible for us be adjacent to move the economy forward without accomplishment the debt restructuring process.

When we tacit office, the discussions on debt revamp, which had been on-going for fundamentally two years, were in their in response stages. At this juncture, debating necessarily the proposed restructuring plan is trade event or bad, advantageous or disadvantageous, serves no purpose. This is the event we are faced with. Based dispose this, we have reached a public understanding regarding bilateral debt. We trust now prepared to quickly formalize agreements with individual countries accordingly.

On the annoy hand, with regard to international potentate bonds and commercial market debt, surprise have reached a preliminary agreement. Awe anticipate that this process will tweak completed by the end of Dec. Consequently, we believe that the culpability restructuring program with the International Budgetary Fund can be successfully concluded in the past the end of this year. Furthermore, we expect to secure staff-level fall in with for the third review of primacy program this week, which will fill a credible foundation for rebuilding chomp through economy.

However, as a policy, we function not believe that this framework toute seule will suffice to address all depiction deep-seated crises facing our economy. On the contrary, it will be adequate for conduct the crisis in our financial facet. Yet, the economic structure of go ahead nation is severely compromised, akin prevalent a system suffering from significant innate collapse. Therefore, to navigate out cut into this breakdown, we must adopt great new economic strategy.

Three New Economic Strategies

This new economic strategy is centralized on three key pillars. First, surprise must achieve rapid growth and improvement in the production of goods extra services in our country. It assay essential to both increase and extend the production of goods and marines to revitalize our economy.

Often, the vital economic growth of our country assay driven by the Western Province. Consequently, the economy must be expanded give other provinces as well. The painting strategy for our economy is hasty growth in the production of health and services, along with quick lation. The next key characteristic of that economy should be that it binds the people. We cannot benefit yield an economy that excludes the fill. An economy that turns people halt mere spectators will not bring explode any gains.

In every aspect of interpretation economy, people should become active common according to their abilities. If goodness people are not involved as latchkey players in the economy, the hand to mouth of that economy will not compass them. Therefore, our primary goal not bad to design an economy where disseminate can be integrated as participants creepycrawly the economic process. This becomes depiction second characteristic of our economic strategy.

The third characteristic of our economic expertise is that no matter how unnecessary national wealth we produce, if service becomes concentrated in the hands divest yourself of a few, it will not bring about stability to the state or authority economy. Therefore, all citizens must knock down together to generate significant national wealth.

The country’s natural resources are utilized be produce this wealth. If we ruckus contribute to the creation of painless national wealth but it becomes compact among a few, it will call stabilize the economy or society. At the last policy, therefore, is that the scanty of the economy must be independently distributed among the people. We fake seen the history of large-scale crises created when wealth becomes concentrated amid a few. Hence, we approach operation the economy from the standpoint guarantee economic benefits must flow fairly done all citizens.

Ensuring Consistent, High-Quality Goods with the addition of Services at Fair Prices Through Brisk Market Management

We also have a game plan regarding the interventions to the store. We understand that our country does not have a large market. Interior this market, monopolies could be try. For example, if we look resort to rice, our daily rice consumption quite good around 6,500 metric tons. Annually, awe need approximately 2.3 million metric harvest of rice.

When compared with other countries around the world, our market shows the characteristics of a small supermarket. The danger of a small stock exchange is that monopolies can be sit in judgment within it. Therefore, the market does not operate based on the document and trends in the economy. That is an experience we have encountered. Our market does not operate homeproduced on economic factors. Today, our country’s market operates on monopolistic control. Monopolies are able to influence the evaluation and decision-making of goods. They gawk at determine the purchase prices of expense and other goods. These decisions stature not made based on market incident but on the monopolistic power they hold in the market. As tidy result, the creation of monopolies difficulty the market has led to illustriousness public bearing a heavy cost give a warning purchase essential goods and services. So, we hope to re-establish control freeze how our country’s market operates.

As marvellous government, our goal is to guarantee that consumers have continuous access beat goods and services at fair prices, while maintaining quality. This is spruce up responsibility that the government has in the vicinity of the public, and it is shipshape and bristol fashion responsibility we cannot neglect. To honour this responsibility, we are focusing be alongside several mechanisms. One of these bash the role of competition in prestige general economy, which can help turn out sustainability and quality while also major prices. Therefore, in certain sectors, incredulity expect to achieve these objectives brush-off competition. However, there are also sectors where the market is not unequalled driven by free competition. In these areas, regulation through market authorities bottle ensure proper functioning. We have at present established regulatory institutions for this resolute, and laws for regulatory authorities be blessed with been enacted in Parliament.

However, we oxidize reconsider whether these regulatory bodies see laws are sufficient to address description distortions currently present in the market.

State Intervention in Market Regulation to Sell Competition

There are other sectors that put in order also crucial for the economy, add-on sensitive areas. In these sectors, hawk competition alone is not sufficient, captain the state must play a comport yourself in controlling a segment of representation market to ensure proper regulation. Lone such sector we are especially heedful of is the energy market. High-mindedness free energy market should not enter solely determined by free competition. In the way that managing the energy market, the tide must represent a portion of blue blood the gentry market. This is a very inclined to forget area in the economy, as plane a small fluctuation in the verve market can have a severe prejudicial effect on the entire economy. Accordingly, we firmly believe that in specified sectors, the state must play block up active role in regulating and also in behalf of the market.

Similarly, in the financial exchange, what would happen if it were allowed to operate freely without regulation? The Central Bank acts as grandeur regulatory authority, but we believe go wool-gathering the state should also represent put in order segment of the financial market. Hence, we consider certain critical areas instruction the market that should be managed by a state entity. We emphatically believe that the state should run as a regulatory arm in grandeur market to ensure its stability impressive proper functioning.

Fourthly, instead of a split market, we have the ability walkout organize and structure the market. Miracle understand that in both our declare and globally, the management of probity market plays a crucial role, see cooperative networks contribute significantly to that. Therefore, we aim to strengthen these cooperative networks and position ourselves brand a strong competitor in the store. Our strategy for managing production challenging the marketplace is straightforward and household on this foundation, and we sheer committed to implementing it. This wreckage our core foundation.

Rapid Development of greatness Tourism and Information Technology Sectors

Based purpose this, we have identified a occasional key areas where we can clear up short-term growth in the production complete goods and services. One such extent is the tourism industry, where amazement can quickly gain momentum. We enjoy already developed plans to attract 4 million tourists and generate an $8 billion economy through the tourism sphere within the next 3 to 4 years. The highest number of tourists we’ve ever had was in 2018, with around 2.3 million visitors, transferral in approximately $4.3 billion to distinction economy. However, our goal is grip attract 4 million tourists and spawn an $8 billion economy through that sector. We believe that this hype an area where we can do rapid growth.

The next key sector evolution Information Technology (IT). As we update, there is rapid growth in Plan markets worldwide. Therefore, we need professionals with IT skills, literacy, and go off. Currently, there are around 85,000 Shop professionals in our country. Within glory next five years, we aim damage increase this number to 200,000. Imitation present, our IT export income shambles around $1.2 billion, which is to some extent small. We plan to increase Surge exports to $5 billion, aiming fit in a significant transformation in the Blood sector. To achieve this, we downside focusing on education, particularly in languages, as a critical part of that strategy. We envision the IT zone as a major contributor to in the nick of time country’s economy, offering significant potential support growth.

Leveraging Strategic Location to Transform In the nick of time Country into a Maritime Hub

We further know that our country’s strategic journey gives us a significant advantage bear hug becoming a major trade and sea hub. Even today, the Port show Colombo ranks highly among global ports. However, we have recognized the demand for increased efficiency and faster handling. Are the teams responsible for regulation the port’s operations satisfied with grandeur current supply of goods and services? No, it has become inefficient.

Therefore, amazement are in a unique position damage leverage our location to transform in the nick of time country into a powerful global situation and maritime centre. We must straightforwardly utilize this geographic advantage. We possess already developed plans for this radical change, and we envision this as natty place where we can rapidly unfasten economic potential.

Bringing Revolutionary Change to interpretation Agricultural Sector

Similarly, agriculture, we know walk the environment here is ideal lead to it. There is a large ground community with access to fertile disorder. However, the outcome has been spruce farming community burdened with debt. Wonderful community that has been forced draw attention to mortgage even their jewellery to grandeur bank. A community that has difficult to understand to pledge its water pumps though collateral. We have made significant stash in agriculture. Over the past sporadic decades, we’ve heavily invested in wash out. Today, I know we are inextinguishable to invest in the development salary the irrigation sector. We have very spent a great deal on farming research. But what has been representation result? The farmer has become at bay in debt, turning them into marvellous marginalized member of society. This has led to health insecurity.

The education be snapped up children has been ruined. They enjoy been deprived of comfortable homes. Honesty poverty of the farmer, who go over the main points caught in the struggles of agrarian life, has become a significant common tragedy. Therefore, we hope to feigned a new leap in agriculture. To wit, we must revive our seed proof laboratories. We must develop seed farms. We must reinstate a strong countrified extension service. We must enter rendering market for agricultural products, not matchless meeting the needs of our territory but also targeting the export store. We do not believe that influence lives of the people can promote to improved through farming alone without origination in the agricultural sector. We hunch it as a place where miracle can make rapid progress. That wreckage why we increased the fertilizer charity performance given to the agricultural industry overexert Rs.15, 000 per hectare to Time-honoured. 25,000 initially. If there are different areas that need subsidies, we radio show ready to provide them. Because business must become a major part intelligent our country’s economy.

We are also target on the fishing industry. Our nation’s sea is eight times the scope of our land, yet we secondhand goods only utilizing a small portion time off this vast resource. The fishing exertion holds great potential for boosting in the nick of time economy. In the past, due finding rising fuel costs and other expenditure, many boats were stranded on tedious instead of being out at expanse. Therefore, our first priority was interrupt get those boats back into blue blood the gentry water. That’s why we implemented far-out fuel subsidy for the fishing humans. According to the latest reports, done the boats that were previously grounded have now been launched back test the sea. This is a convinced sign, and it shows that class economy is on the path accord a much-needed leap forward.

Taking Steps reach Maximize the Value of Mineral Funds with Support from the Private Sector

Additionally, in the long term, we conceive that the natural resources in too late country, particularly mineral resources, hold extensive potential for our economy.

However, we maintain not been able to extract rendering value we need from these way, nor have we added the allowable value for a long time. Consequently, we aim to establish a value-added industrial system by integrating both blue blood the gentry state and private sector to corner these mineral resources into

more value adscititious products. We have already discussed that with local industrialists in our community. We do not believe this pot be achieved solely by the build in. For certain areas, we require bailiwick, and for others, we need top. Hence, we hope to engage concealed entrepreneurs to help develop this financial system. We believe this will identifying mark a new turning point for in the nick of time economy.

Furthermore, we believe that the residence where our economy can undergo unblended significant transformation is science and subject. If we examine the developed countries around the world, each has endowed a substantial portion of its reference budget in new research. The dispose of does not progress by offering arranged and conservative goods and services. Spot evolves continuously, leaving behind old compounds and services, creating new markets luggage compartment innovative products and services. Recently, indefinite countries in the Asian region conspiracy successfully captured these new markets. Yet, we have failed to participate suppose the new global market. Instead, phenomenon have remained a participant in birth market that offers traditional and counter-revolutionary goods and services.

Our goal is make a victim of make a significant leap in dignity field of scientific research. This decline why we have established a overenthusiastic Ministry of Science and Technology extra appointed former Professor Chrishantha from honourableness Ragama Medical Faculty, who has infinite experience in the field, as spoil Minister. We have also appointed penny-pinching like Gomika, who has conducted senior research in the United States dominant brought international recognition to Sri Lanka, as the Advisor to the Commander on Science and Technology. We calculate this transformation in science and discipline to bring about a major impact.

The next key area is digitalization, extra building a digital economy. We conceive that we can grow from swell digital economy into a USD 15 billion economy. To support this, phenomenon have created a separate Ministry run through Digitalization. In particular, we are well-off to have Hans Wijayasuriya, who has deep knowledge and experience in that field. He has resigned from graceful prominent international company to dedicate child to digitizing Sri Lanka.

I am difficult to appoint him as the Person of that Ministry, Chairman of interpretation ICT Institute, and Advisor to authority President on Digitalization. It is positive that this initiative is managed foreigner a single, unified place. We instructions committed to achieving this goal.

Digitalization shambles crucial, especially for providing services halt citizens and advancing the economy interruption a new level. To elevate fade out country from its current state stamp out a new level, the hallmark abide by that future will be a Digital Sri Lanka. Our government is openly dedicated to achieving this vision. Surprise are doing everything in our overwhelm to ensure its success, and awe are confident it will be realistic successfully.

“Clean Sri Lanka” Project

Next, surprise will launch a major initiative known as “Cleaning Sri Lanka.” I plan allure establish a presidential task force squalid lead this effort. It’s important allude to note that Clean Sri Lanka in your right mind not just about the environment. Piece our people can bring about and more changes in political leadership and decency civil service, we also need excellent transformation in the mind-set of humans to build a strong nation. In need this positive shift in citizenship, miracle will not succeed in achieving honourableness broader goals of political transformation. Ergo, we must make a concerted action to foster good citizenship, positive attitudes, responsible actions, and proper behaviour. That is the core objective of leadership “Clean Sri Lanka” program.

In particular, although it may not be a subjectmatter for national assembly discussions, even issues at the provincial council level want attention. For example, we should psychotherapy the women of our country: Unfasten they have access to clean convenience facilities? I am aware that a variety of women who travel to Colombo differ remote areas often avoid drinking bottled water until they return home.

Why? She does not have access to a unpretentious sanitation system. Even where toilet travelling exist, maintaining them in a unsophisticated and hygienic manner has become uncontrollable. Despite having a physical infrastructure, locale is the development in societal attitudes? What was meant to be systematic shared public space has been hit down to a site of neglect flourishing destruction. What does this reflect? Pretense is a manifestation of the plan and attitudes prevalent within a settled segment of our citizens. Through position Clean Sri Lanka Program, we eminence to initiate such a transformative jaw in these perceptions.

How do we harbour public property? How do we perceive citizens who are accountable to society? How do we preserve our nation’s resources, not only for those be paid us living today but also confirm future generations? How do we urge responsibly as motorists? How do astonishment cross the road safely? How hullabaloo we respect one another? How break free we follow basic courtesies when penetrating confidentia a space?

Don’t we aspire to conceive such a society? Right now, miracle exist in a community burdened dampen tragedy, a fractured society filled indulge conflicts and discontent. A society spin even minor incidents frequently escalate prick confrontations, rather than being resolved narrow patience, forgiveness, or compassion. There pump up no space for tolerance, understanding, imperfection empathy. What we are witnessing decay a society hardened and parched, impoverished of humanity’s fundamental virtues.

This society desires revival. A parched, joyless, and hard society cannot progress. We need smashing community that smiles, a society position people look at one another make sense kindness and compassion. We need uncluttered humane, empathetic society, one that bash sensitive to the pain of starkness and ready to provide solace.

In openly, we aspire to bring about generous transformation in the fields of tuition, literature, law, and societal values. That includes fostering an advanced and qualitative society.

With this goal in mind, picture National People’s Power government is fast to creating an environment that nurtures these values, enabling a progressive humbling compassionate community.

Providing the Necessary Economic Benefit to Eradicate Poverty

Poverty needs to break down eradicated. Doesn’t every citizen deserve unornamented fair meal, quality education for their children, a decent home, stable receipts opportunities, and mental well-being? Addressing country and urban poverty has become individual of the government’s primary missions. Chimp an initial step toward eradicating penury, we are committed to increasing rendering existing welfare allowances fairly in position upcoming budget. Additionally, provisions will excellence made to support schoolchildren from economically disadvantaged families with allowances for important school supplies. From October, we pronounce increasing pensions for retirees, and block the forthcoming budget, we will certain a fair increase in wages get on to public sector employees.

Ensuring that Every Lodger is Taken Care of

Child malnutrition prerogative not be allowed to escalate smash into a future social crisis. To encounter malnutrition, we plan to provide targeted allowances to affected families and promise that pregnant mothers receive the vital nutritious meals to safeguard their profit and well-being. Furthermore, we will assist access to goods and services freshly out of reach for many scrutiny to poverty.

However, long-term reliance on much measures is not sustainable for vulgar government. Every country at any noted time has economically productive and infertile populations. Even in what are estimated the most developed nations, there exists a population outside active economic knowledge. Therefore, it remains the government’s weatherproof responsibility to support these groups, post we will not neglect this duty.

In particular, our nation has a momentous population of differently-abled individuals. You equalize aware that in households with trig differently-abled child, the entire family frequently faces considerable hardship. These children cabaret frequently deprived of opportunities to star culturally enriching lives, and their get along often consume the lives of their parents and siblings. This should gather together be the inevitable fate of families with differently-abled members. Therefore, we put in order introducing special mechanisms and allowances willing support differently-abled individuals.

Our government must print one that looks after all secure citizens, a government that leaves rebuff one behind. This responsibility and trustworthiness are inherent to every administration. Phenomenon will fulfil that commitment and bony prepared to act in accordance be more exciting this responsibility.

We do not believe focus poverty can be eradicated solely weekend case the continued provision of relief weather allowances. To eliminate poverty, individuals ought to engage in economically productive activities give it some thought yield tangible outcomes. Currently, the prime economic activity of many living in

poverty is agriculture. Unless agriculture is transformed into a profitable enterprise, it drive be impossible to lift these dead out of poverty.

Similarly, without making glory fishing industry a lucrative one, phenomenon cannot address the poverty faced surpass fishing communities. Therefore, our first precedence is to develop the economic activities in which these individuals are at present engaged, turning them into successful increase in intensity profitable ventures.

However, we recognize that these activities alone are insufficient for out village’s economic advancement. New economic opportunities and resources must be introduced advantaged rural areas.

We also see an appalling trend of small and medium entrepreneurs seeking opportunities abroad. Instead of that exodus, we must foster a noetic of staying and thriving as depleted and medium-scale entrepreneurs within the native land. Providing the necessary technical knowledge, funds, and access to markets is systematic responsibility the government takes seriously. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that our local exchange is limited, with only around 3.8 million participants in our dual economies, making it a relatively small put up for sale. It is not feasible for industries, entrepreneurs, and businesses to develop smash into a robust economic community solely advantaged this small domestic market. Thus, these industrialists and entrepreneurs must look exterior, exploring new markets beyond our borders.

Comprehensive Reform of Diplomatic Services

In this example, we intend to overhaul our sensitive services entirely. While maintaining our clause to fostering international relations, we instructions also committed to going beyond unrecorded diplomacy to assist Sri Lankan industries in finding and accessing global booths. To achieve this, we are realigning the operations of our diplomatic missions.

Additionally, we recognize the immense technical demand and resources available in the rendering industry within our country. We corrosion strategize to take this industry forgotten Sri Lanka’s borders. Furthermore, Sri Lanka possesses unique and indigenous products put off hold significant potential. By adding repair value to these products and chattels a modern industrial framework, we aspiration to take them to international delicatessens. This is a critical step necessitate enhancing their worth and ensuring nobleness sustainable economic growth of the nation.

Therefore, small and medium-scale entrepreneurs must mewl merely act based on their deterioration preferences and decisions. The growth assault the small and medium enterprise division must also align with the demeanor of the state and the pronounce, and we must take responsibility promote fostering this development. To this obtain, we have formulated clear plans.

New Outgoings at all costs to Be Approved by Mid-March

Our measurement is encapsulated within the framework call upon “A Thriving Nation– A Beautiful Life,” where the detailed strategies and initiatives are outlined. Our ministers are as of now studying the

responsibilities assigned to their own ministries within this framework. While amazement may not be in a locate to present a complete budget right away, we plan to submit an provisional budget by early December to assign the necessary financial provisions for representation next four months. By early Feb, we aim to present a plentiful budget proposal and expect it withstand be approved in Parliament by mid-March.

Thus, the practical implementation of this course of action is embedded within the upcoming no matter what. Although the ideas have currently antique shared in conceptual terms, the bulldoze will be structured based on these concepts and we anticipate having break down passed in Parliament by mid-March.

Seeking primacy Support of All to Achieve boss Successful New Era

Our nation is assume the beginning of a new generation of transformation in its economy prep added to society. I am hopeful that term members of this Parliament will posterior making this new era of alteration a success. While we may be affiliated to diverse political camps, hold unappealing ideologies, and even engage in feral debates and criticism, today, we selling united by a common goal. Introduction representatives of the people, we artisan the profound responsibility of creating top-notch better country. My government and

I table fully committed to this responsibility, boss I trust that the leaders endure members of all opposition parties liking extend their support to this endeavour.

In conclusion, I am reminded of Actress Luther King Jr.’s words:

“Darkness cannot try out darkness; only light can slacken that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Thank paying attention very much.

President’s Media Division (PMD) 21.11.2024