President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday said his government remains firmly backed by the people and pledged sweeping action against corruption, declaring that 2026 would mark a turning point in holding offenders accountable.
Addressing the May Day rally in Nuwara Eliya, the President said the current administration was built and sustained by public support, describing it as the most trusted government.
He said the National People’s Power (NPP)-led government had taken key decisions over the past year and a half aimed at improving the lives of working people, including boosting incomes, housing, education and strengthening the rule of law.
The President also highlighted relief measures provided in response to recent crises, including compensation for farmers, fishermen and plantation workers affected by extreme weather, as well as housing assistance and subsidies on fuel and fertiliser.
He noted that public confidence in the government was visible across the country, with large crowds attending May Day rallies held islandwide, including in Nuwara Eliya for the first time.
Focusing on governance, he said steps had been taken to strengthen institutions such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, while new courts had been established to expedite cases.
The President asserted that no individual would be above the law, stating that investigations were ongoing against a range of suspects, including former officials and politically connected individuals.
He further claimed that several cases were already before courts and that more verdicts were expected soon.
“2026 will be remembered as the year Sri Lanka sends the corrupt, fraudsters and criminals to prison,” he said.
The President also stressed that the government’s long-term goal was to build a country with stable incomes, quality education, secure housing, national unity and equal application of the law.
He added that the administration would continue to implement reforms and development programmes with the backing of the people, while rejecting attempts by small opposition groups to destabilise the government.
The May Day rally in Nuwara Eliya drew large crowds, with the President calling on supporters to unite and work collectively towards rebuilding the country. (Newswire)